It’s estimated that 4.5 per cent of the Australian population is currently living with an eating disorder and 10.5 per cent of the population has experienced an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. Going one step further, 27 per cent of those living with an eating disorder are aged under 19 years.
Which is why Jaimee Krawitz believes that the focus for help needs to be on educators.
“Educators, in particular, can play a key role in this transformation by creating safe spaces for students to discuss their struggles without fear of judgement,” Krawitz, founder and CEO of Hide N Seek Foundation, told The AJN.
Krawitz, who has her own personal experience with disordered eating, founded Hide N Seek to support carers of people suffering from an eating disorder. She said it’s her personal experience that helps shape the not-for-profit’s mission.
“My personal journey with eating disorders began when I was diagnosed at the age of 12. Like many young Australians, I felt isolated and overwhelmed, unsure of how to navigate my emotions or ask for help. I spent years struggling in silence, feeling like I had to hide what I was going through. Luckily, with a strong support network and the right help, I was able to find a path to recovery,” the trained psychologist said.
Nearly one in five young Australians aged between 11 and 17 exhibit symptoms of disordered eating, yet 75 percent of them don’t seek help…
“This experience shaped my mission to ensure that other young Australians don’t have to face these struggles alone. I saw a significant gap in the support available for caregivers, especially when it comes to language and communication surrounding eating disorders. Hide N Seek was born from that realisation, and it now serves as a resource to fill that gap by offering practical tools, support, and education to caregivers, schools, and communities.”
Hide N Seek specifically focuses on changing the language around eating disorders, aiming to bust several myths and equip educators and caregivers with the language, awareness and resources needed to provide support.
Importantly, Krawitz points out that many people view eating disorders as a physical thing – the desire to look a certain way. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Eating disorders are the fastest-growing mental health issue among adolescents in Australia, and tweens and teens are especially vulnerable due to the pressures they face from social media, peer influence, and the desire to fit in,” Krawitz explained, pointing out that nearly one in five young Australians aged between 11 and 17 exhibit symptoms of disordered eating, yet 75 percent of them don’t seek help.
“That’s a staggering statistic and speaks to how deeply stigmatised and misunderstood these disorders are,” Krawitz said.
According to Krawitz, early intervention is key to successful treatment, particularly encouraging a supportive and open environment where the young person can speak without judgement.
“When young people feel they can talk openly about their struggles, they are more likely to seek help before the disorder becomes deeply entrenched,” she said.
“To break the taboo around eating disorders, we need to confront the issue directly through education and open dialogue. Unfortunately, many still view eating disorders as superficial issues tied to vanity or weight control, which oversimplifies and diminishes the complexity of these mental health conditions. In reality, eating disorders are often connected to trauma, emotional distress, or a desire for control. This can affect individuals from any background, regardless of age, gender, or life experience.”
Hide N Seek’s focus on educators has led Krawitz, supported by the NFP’s board of directors and medical advisers, to compile an ebook, The Language of Seeking Help, which serves as a practical guide for caregivers. She truly believes that having the right tools will enable educators and carers to understand the misconceptions, recognise the signs, start the conversation and in turn, get their loved one the help they need.
A major misconception that Krawitz points out is that eating disorders only affect young women.
“Eating disorders are the fastest-growing mental health issue among adolescents in Australia, and tweens and teens are especially vulnerable due to the pressures they face from social media, peer influence, and the desire to fit in” Jaimee Krawitz
“While females are often disproportionately affected, eating disorders impact people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds,” she said, continuing to detail another misconception – that disorders are only about losing weight or body image.
“In reality, eating disorders are complex mental health conditions often rooted in deeper emotional issues or the need to regain a sense of control,” she said. “There’s also the harmful belief that a person must be underweight to have an eating disorder. Many individuals who struggle with these disorders may appear to be at a healthy weight or even overweight, making it harder for others to notice the issue. This myth delays diagnosis and treatment, which is why education is so critical.”
In terms of signs to look out for, Krawitz said an eating disorder will present differently in each individual, but some common signs to be aware of include changes in eating habits, an obsession with food or weight, withdrawal from social situations, emotional changes such as anxiety or extreme perfectionism particularly related to food or body image, and physical symptoms which can present as weight fluctuations, fatigue, dizziness or digestive issues.
If carers notice any of the signs, there are ways to broach the subject without upsetting or unsettling the child. Krawitz said one of the most important things is to remain calm and open.
A good idea is to reference something neutral, like something you’ve recently seen on television, and then ask an open question, for example, “I saw something online about body image, what do you think about how people talk about their bodies?”.
You can then express your concern without making assumptions. Krawitz gives the example, saying “I’ve noticed you’ve been avoiding meals lately, and I’m worried, is everything okay?”. Importantly, you need to reassure them that you’re there to support them and help them.
“Focus on asking how they’re feeling rather than commenting on their appearance. Opening up this dialogue shows you’re concerned for their well-being and want to listen without judgement,” she said, explaining that checking in with the child’s educators is also a crucial step.
“They may have observed patterns of behaviour that could indicate underlying issues. Often, an eating disorder starts with behavioural changes linked to mental health struggles, such as anxiety, stress, or emotional distress. Teachers, who spend significant time with students, can provide valuable insight into any shifts they’ve noticed at school.”
Even more importantly, Krawitz said you cannot force the issue.
“If they’re not ready to talk, be patient and let them know that the conversation can happen when they feel comfortable,” she suggested.
The Jewish community is not immune to eating disorders.
Part of Hide N Seek’s mission is to have an Eating Disorder Ambassador in every school across Australia, with many Jewish schools already taking part.
As described by Krawitz, the Ambassador Program is an 8-week training course designed to equip staff with the essential skills and knowledge to support students with eating disorders. It teaches communication techniques, how to recognise the early signs and how to foster a supportive environment in school.
“We believe that educators can be powerful advocates for students struggling with eating disorders. Often, teachers are the first to notice these issues due to the significant amount of time they spend with students,” Krawitz said, emphasising that it’s important for everyone – children, educators and caregivers – to know that they are not alone.
“Everyone knows someone who may be struggling with an eating disorder, and many stories remain untold.”
Follow Hide N Seek on Instagram or check out the website for more information.
For support with eating disorders and body dissatisfaction call the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or visit butterfly.org.au to chat online or email, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight.
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