Primary school pupils are to be shown pictures of an un-airbrushed Britney Spears and male models in their underwear in a lesson designed to boost their confidence.
Before and after pictures of the singer and other celebrities will feature in new body image lessons, designed to improve confidence.
Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone has backed the plans that seek to help children understand how the media alters images.
Not-for-profit company Media Smart have produced together with the government Equalities Office teaching materials that will play a part in the ongoing Body Confidence campaign. It is being promoted by the Home Office today.
The teaching pack, designed to target the 10-11 age group, will be given out to teachers and contain digitally-enhanced images of models and airbrushed make-up adverts.
Pupils will be asked to consider what is seen as beautiful and what makes a good person.
Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone said: "Young people are being set an impossible standard by the images they are confronted with on a daily basis from the media and advertising and there is evidence to suggest this has a negative impact on self esteem.
"I want children to recognise from an early age that their value is worth so much more than just their physical appearance.
"I am delighted to have worked with Media Smart to produce this important work."
Paul Jackson, chair of Media Smart, said trials found that "children responded really well when they realised that most of the images they see have been altered in some way and are aspirational but not realistic".
The lessons contribute to the government's Body Confidence campaign, which was launched last year.
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