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The average age when eating disorders emerge is getting younger as the Butterfly Foundation reports a rise in helpline calls about children as young as 10.
The pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a sharp rise in eating disorders in the past year across all age groups but advocates are especially concerned about the increase among younger children, blaming image-based media on smartphones and bullying at school.
The news comes as the federal budget last week allocated funding for mental health, including $13 million to build a National Eating Disorder Research Centre and $8.25 million in other funding for treatment of eating disorders.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Morrison Government is continuing to guarantee essential services by investing $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform in mental health support and treatment for Australians in need.
Based on the principles of Prevention, Compassion and Care, the Plan will invest $1.4 billion in high quality and person-centred treatment, which includes the development of a national network of mental health treatment centres for adults, youth and children through the Head to Health and headspace programs.
Mental health and suicide prevention are key priorities for the Morrison Government in keeping Australians safe and a central feature of Australia’s Long-Term National Health Plan.