The following "dos" and "don'ts" can be incredibly helpful for educators and other school staff in terms of helping individuals with an eating disorder:
| Please Don't | Please Do |
| Make a diagnosis if you are not qualified. | Refer the student to appropriate resources. |
| Pay attention and otherwise heed to myths and misconceptions. | Have a conversation. Establish rapport first. |
| Give up on insisting regular medical follow-up. | Address rumors from peers by providing accurate information to prevent bullying without betraying the student's confidence or divulging confidential information. |
| Use weight as the only identifying factor. Some people even gain weight as a result of their disorder. | Treat eating disorders seriously. |
| Think that eating disorders only affect girls. One-third of all eating disorders are experienced by males. | Understand the complexity of the causes of eating disorders. |
| Think that your student is too young to develop an eating disorder. It is possible to develop an eating disorder at any age. | Learn to differentiate eating disorders versus what could be a strict diet. |
| Engage in "fat-talk"; instead, focus on discussing and complimenting accomplishments and character. | Develop a student assistance program (SAP) and protocol. |
| When talking to parents, do not persist with a conversation that is not going well. | Eliminate student's weight and BMI measurements in health, physical education, and other classes. |
| Have unrealistic academic expectations of a student recovering from an eating disorder. Be aware of the effects of eating disorders on cognition. | Contact student's parents or guardians to ensure appropriate medical and psychological follow-up. |
| Divulge confidential information to the student's classmates. | Encourage classmates and friends to discuss their concerns with you, a fellow teacher, or another staff member or adult. |