[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Body image issues are a fact of life for most of us these days in some way, and that includes children and teens. <\/span>Up to <\/b>two thirds of kids struggle<\/b><\/a> with some aspect of body image<\/b>, ranging from weight, to acne, to specific physical features, and more. While girls struggle with negative body image more than boys, it is a problem across all genders and ages. These challenges start much younger than most parents realize, and can impact children even before they reach school age.<\/span><\/p>\n There are many factors that contribute to the way children view themselves and their bodies as they age, including <\/span>time spent on social media<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Social media has its benefits<\/span><\/a> for children and adults, but <\/span>when it comes to body image there are some concerns parents need to understand<\/b>. One issue revolves around comparison in general, and appearance-related comparison specifically. It\u2019s easy for kids to assume that the way people are portrayed in photos and videos online is \u201cnormal\u201d, and that if they don\u2019t look the same way there is something wrong with them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Of course, in a world filled with filters, photoshopping, and special lighting and camera angles, <\/span>most of the faces and bodies children see on social media platforms are anything but typical.<\/b> However, kids often don\u2019t realize this and compare their very real bodies and features to the fantasy and unrealistic images they see online. In their minds they always come up short.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There is also <\/span>the issue of likes<\/span><\/a> and comments on these platforms, and children trying to make themselves look a certain way in order to get more positive feedback from peers (and even strangers). <\/span>A recent survey showed<\/b><\/a> that 41% of girls report using social media to \u201cmake themselves look cooler\u201d<\/b>. I\u2019ve had teen patients tell me that if they don\u2019t get a certain number of likes or positive responses to a photo within a few minutes, they start feeling badly about themselves, assume it\u2019s not a good photo of them, and take it down.<\/span><\/p>\n Parents need to also be aware of the amount of overt body\/appearance-shaming and bullying that happens on social media. From critical comments, to distorting of photos and sharing them for others to see, this unfortunate aspect of social media can have highly negative consequences for children and teens when it comes to how they view themselves and their bodies<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While most people experience some challenges around body image during the childhood and teen years, there can be more significant consequences if these issues become more intense and go unsupported. At a minimum, <\/span>negative body image can lead kids to feel more stressed about their appearance<\/b>, hypervigilant about social interactions, and feel badly about themselves across the board.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unfortunately, <\/span>negative body image can also lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety (including social anxiety), eating disorders, and even suicidality<\/b>. We\u2019ve all <\/span>heard the tragic news stories about young people who have taken their own lives after periods of <\/span>unrelenting criticism and bullying online<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While it\u2019s uncomfortable for parents to face, these things are happening at an increasing rate and we need to be aware of the very real psychological impact of negative body image (and negative self-perception more broadly) on our children. It should also be noted that negative body image can lead to problematic physical health issues as well, including:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/12\/12144250\/2022-12-TalkAboutNegativeBodyImage_Inside-Image.jpg” alt=”how to talk about body image with your teen” title_text=”2022-12-TalkAboutNegativeBodyImage_Inside Image” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One of the ways parents can support their children around this issue is by watching for signs that indicate negative body image is becoming a problem. Here are some specific things to be aware of:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Whether you think your child is having problems with negative body image or not, open communication and education around this issue is beneficial.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Provide factual information about the ways we are influenced by the media<\/b> to think about our bodies. Explain how what we see online and in other media is typically heavily edited, and that comparing themselves to these standards is not only unfair but unhealthy.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Share your own experiences with negative body image<\/b> when you were their age or even now (as appropriate). This helps normalize the issue and helps them feel less alone and more understood.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Weaving this topic into natural conversation can be effective, as it doesn\u2019t need to be a \u201cformal\u201d conversation to bring benefit. <\/span>Make a positive comment about someone you see in public, on TV, or on social media<\/b>. Tell your child something you saw online about body image that piqued your interest or concerned you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A good conversation starter can be to ask them about a photo or video they saw online recently and what they think about it. Ask whether they think that\u2019s what the person would look like if they ran into them on the street, and share your thoughts as well.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. As with all sensitive topics and kids, <\/span>effective parent communication generally involves a lot more listening than talking<\/b>! You may need to initiate the conversation, but then be conscious about giving them the floor and really hearing what they\u2019re saying. Ask questions to get them to open up more, and then stay quiet to listen to their responses.<\/span><\/p>\n 5. Let your teen know that you are always available to listen<\/b> and provide support if they find themselves struggling with this issue. Assure them that there are ways to improve self-image and get help around this if needed, and you will support them.<\/span><\/p>\n 6. Any time you have specific significant concerns about your child\u2019s physical or mental health related to body image, <\/span>raise it with them empathically and directly<\/b>. They may not agree that it\u2019s a problem, but you should express your concerns\/observations and talk through a plan to support them in this area (including accessing professional support if appropriate).<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One of the most important ways parents can promote a more positive body image in children is by their own modeling. This includes <\/span>making positive comments about your own appearance and body<\/b>, avoiding things like \u201cdiet talk\u201d and self-deprecating comments in your child\u2019s presence, and generally speaking kindly about yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This also extends to how children hear us talking about others\u2019 bodies. <\/span>Kids internalize the ways we talk about ourselves and others<\/b> much more than we realize, and our self-talk often becomes their own without us realizing it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Making <\/span>positive comments about your child that extend beyond appearance<\/b> is also beneficial. Compliment them on personal attributes and behaviors that have nothing to do with how they look. <\/span>Talk about food and exercise from the standpoint of physical and mental health and wellness<\/b>, and not around losing weight or looking a certain way.<\/span><\/p>\n Finally, make sure you are aware of and regularly <\/span>reviewing your child\u2019s use of screen time<\/span><\/a> and social media so you can address issues around body image that may be arising from those sources. This includes using parental controls, such as Qustodio, to <\/span>set and enforce age-appropriate limits on content and time spent <\/b>on specific apps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow does social media affect body image?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Social media reactions and teen body image\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
What can negative body image lead to?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to spot the signs of negative body image in your teen or young child<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Talking to your teen about negative body image<\/b><\/h2>\n
How parents can help promote a more positive body image<\/b><\/h2>\n