Snowy Monaro Youth Councillor Molly Brabham is hoping her presentation at the Children’s Week Parliament will help young people think more positively about body image.
Molly was a strong voice for the region’s young people when she delivered a one-minute address as part of the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament program.
Molly used the opportunity to speak in front of some of the state’s key decision-makers to raise concerns young people have with body image messaging.
“I would like to see the government include body image in our school curriculum. I hope this is the start of a conversation on how we teach young people to think about body image,” Molly said.
Molly, a school captain at St Patrick’s Parish School in Cooma, represented the Monaro electorate at the Children’s Week Parliament on Thursday 29 October, alongside 93 young people and children from across NSW.
The Children’s Week Parliament was held online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Molly’s presentation will be passed on to the Member for Monaro John Barilaro.
The opportunity to participate in the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament program was made possible through a nomination from Snowy Monaro Regional Council’s Youth Development Officer, Mel Sass.
“I’m grateful to have been nominated for the program. The opportunity to speak in front of the parliament was really fun and provided me with a sense of responsibility,” Molly said.
In her speech, Molly called for clothing sizes to be standardised to avoid different sizing labels inferring weight loss or weight gain. She also hopes there is a greater focus in the classroom on positive body image.
Part of Molly’s address stated, maybe if we find solutions and act now, young people in 100 years will have more confidence in themselves and their bodies than ever before. Don’t you think it’s about time that this toxic relationship between young people and their bodies was transposed into a relationship of love and confidence?
Molly who is enjoying her first term on the Snowy Monaro Youth Council is encouraging her peers to get in contact with the Youth Council to share ideas that will benefit the region’s young people.
“Everyone is welcome to suggest ideas and have a chat with the Youth Council. It’s open to everyone, we are an inclusive body that advocates for young people in our region,” Molly said.
To reach the Youth Council, please contact Snowy Monaro Regional Council on 1300 345 345.
