The final edition of the Institute newsletter iteachonline included an article on eating disorders ‘Does my student have an eating disorder?’ by Carolyn Aston.

We publish below an extract of a response to this piece by Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) a specialist service for the provision of non-clinical education in eating disorders. EDV were co-authors of the guide An Eating Disorders Resource for Schools.

‘In the article … two references appear that suggest many young people with eating disorders come from troubled families.

‘While we were pleased that the topic of eating disorders was covered, EDV has since been contacted by a couple of parents of young people with eating disorders (who are also teachers and have received your newsletter) who were quite offended by such comments. Our experience at EDV is that eating disorders do not discriminate and affect people of all backgrounds. Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses and their causes are many and varied and from our experience, most of the parents that use our services are loving and caring parents.

‘EDV has recently welcomed Dr Naomi Crafti to their team as Community Development and Education Officer. Naomi provides a number of seminars, presentations and workshops for schools on eating disorders, body image and mindful eating.’