Eating Disorder Awareness and Education

Posted in compliance with Section 1426 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, which requires schools to annually provide parents, guardians, and key school personnel of students in grades 6–12 with information on eating disorder awareness and education.

Why This Matters

Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening medical conditions that affect people across every age, gender, race, and background. They often develop during adolescence, and early recognition and intervention significantly improve the chances of recovery. This page is provided to help parents, guardians, and school personnel recognize warning signs and connect students with help.

Warning Signs

Eating disorders can be difficult to identify, especially in early stages. Signs to watch for include:

• Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, dieting, or body shape
• Skipping meals, making excuses not to eat, or eating in secret
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or usual activities, especially around mealtimes
• Frequent trips to the bathroom during or after meals
• Development of rigid food rituals (eating only certain foods, excessive chewing, rearranging food)
• Extreme or sudden changes in weight
• Excessive or compulsive exercise
• Wearing loose or baggy clothing to hide body shape or weight changes
• Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression connected to food or body image
• Signs of purging, such as trips to the bathroom after eating or evidence of laxative or diuretic use

Risk Factors

No single cause leads to an eating disorder, but certain factors can increase risk, including:

• A family history of eating disorders, anxiety, or depression
• A history of dieting or significant weight change
• Participation in activities that emphasize appearance, weight class, or body shape (such as certain sports, dance, or modeling)
• Traumatic life experiences or major life transitions
• Perfectionism and difficulty coping with stress
• Social or cultural pressure around body image, including from social media

What to Do If You're Concerned

If you notice these signs in a child, approach the conversation with care rather than judgment, and involve a medical or mental health professional early. School counselors and school psychologists are also available to help connect families with appropriate resources.

Resources

• National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline — free referrals to treatment at every level of care, staffed by licensed therapists. Call 866-662-1235 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–7:00 pm ET) or visit findEDhelp.com to search their free referral database.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 for 24/7 support if a student is in crisis.
• Your child's pediatrician or family physician — a good first step for medical evaluation.
• School Counseling Office — contact your building's school counselor for support connecting with resources.
  • Mrs. Anderson SES Counselor - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Mrs. Weckerly HS Counselor - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This information is provided for awareness and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This page will be reviewed and updated as the Pennsylvania Department of Education publishes official guidance and materials under Section 1426.