Breaking the Silence: Students and Survivors Lead a Movement Against Eating Disorders in Schools

Creating Change in Schools and Beyond

Mankotia and Wood both believe educators have a unique opportunity to shape how students understand and talk about body image, food, and mental health. But too often, those conversations never start because educators don’t feel equipped or fear saying the wrong thing.

“Teachers play such a huge role in students’ lives,” Mankotia says. “They’re in the best position to notice when something’s off or to make a student feel safe. But they might not realize the impact of their words, even little comments.”

Wood agrees. One of the biggest ways educators can help is by being mindful of how they talk about food, weight, and their own bodies. Casual remarks like “I was bad today” in reference to eating dessert or jokes about needing to burn off a cupcake may seem harmless but can reinforce harmful ideas.

“Students are always listening,” Wood says. “And they’re internalizing these messages about morality and food, about how a ‘good’ body should look. That adds to the shame.”

He also encourages educators to watch for behavioral changes that may indicate a deeper issue. Repeatedly skipping meals, leaving for the bathroom after eating, increased irritability, or isolation can all be red flags. And not every struggling student fits the stereotype.

“The overachievers are the ones to look out for,” Wood says. “The ones getting straight As, in every club, always showing up. That was me. I looked like I had it together, but I was falling apart inside.”

To help educators feel more prepared, ANAD offers a multitude of free online resources, including staff training options tailored to school settings. These resources aim to build awareness and confidence without asking teachers to become experts.

“Often, it’s not about having the right answer,” Wood says. “It’s about showing up, listening, and not making assumptions based on appearances.”

Wood’s own experience drives that message home. He shares openly about how unresolved trauma and obsessive-compulsive disorder contributed to his eating disorder. For years, he used food and exercise to regain a sense of control when everything else felt chaotic.

“When I was dealing with trauma symptoms or anxiety, I’d double down on the rules,” he says. “It became a coping mechanism. If I followed all the food rules, all the OCD rituals, maybe I wouldn’t have to feel what was underneath.”

That deeper understanding of eating disorders is what drives the student ambassador program. ANAD gives students the power to lead conversations on their campuses, grounded in their lived experiences and what matters most to their peers. Mankotia found this student-led model incredibly empowering.

“There’s no playbook,” she says. “Mr. Wood helped me come up with ideas that made sense for my school. He always made it clear that my voice mattered.”

Ambassadors receive training, one-on-one coaching, and updates on current trends in eating disorder awareness. Some organize events while others create content for social media or meet with administrators about school policies. All with the goal of supporting meaningful change.

For Wood, the program’s biggest strength is the stories students bring to it. “Statistics get people’s attention, but stories keep it,” he says. “That’s what changes hearts and minds.”

That belief is guiding ASAP’s continued expansion. The team is building partnerships with other mental health and student-led organizations, such as Active Minds and The Hidden Opponent, to ensure that eating disorder advocacy is part of a broader, more inclusive movement. The next phase includes two new student ambassador cohorts, more campus outreach, and a growing emphasis on community and collaboration.