Beyond the Backpack: Recognizing Eating Disorders and Supporting Children, Teens, and Young Adults Through School Transition

School transitions - whether starting a new school year, moving to middle or high school, entering college, or navigating changes in routines and social environments—can bring both excitement and stress for children, teens, and young adults. Amid concerns about schedules, academics, friendships, extracurricular activities, and independence, subtle changes in eating habits and relationships with food can sometimes go unnoticed. This presentation will help parents, caregivers, educators, and providers recognize the signs and symptoms of disordered eating and eating disorders, understand the biol...Read moreogical, psychological, and sociocultural factors that contribute to risk, and identify how school-related transitions can act as catalysts for emerging concerns.

Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs across settings, partner effectively with school personnel, understand the influence of social media and peer environments, and access school-based, community, and professional resources to support young people who may be struggling. Less...

Learning Objectives

• Identify common signs, symptoms, and risk factors for disordered eating and eating disorders, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural contributors that may emerge or intensify during school transitions.
• Recognize how changes in routines, peer groups, academic pressures, extracurricular involvement, social media exposure, and school environments may affect a young person’s relationship with food, body image, and overall well-being.
• Apply practical strategies for early intervention and support, including collaborating with school personnel, responding to concerns with compassion, and connecting students and families to appropriate school-based, community, and clinical resources.

Target Audience

Learning Levels

• Beginner

Thursday, September 24, 2026

11:00 AM CDT - 12:00 PM CDT