Every day, young people are exposed to damaging posts on their social media feeds. Some ignore them, some fight back, and some become consumed with the idea that there are popular and unpopular ways to look.
What is negative body image?
Body image is about how you see yourself and how you think others perceive you. A negative body image is when you struggle with how you look, perhaps because of the stereotypes in the media or people you hang out with. As children grow up, they learn who they are and what they want to be. Having a negative body image can lead to low confidence and self-esteem, which can be extremely damaging in the long run. These feelings limit a child’s aspirations in school and lead to eating disorders and self-harm. In recent years, the number of young people needing mental health support has risen. And the NHS has reported a rise in the number of teenage girls being admitted to hospitals for eating disorders.
What is
negative body image?
Body image is about how you see yourself and how you think others perceive you. A negative body image is when you struggle with how you look, perhaps because of the stereotypes in the media or people you hang out with. As children grow up, they learn who they are and what they want to be. Having a negative body image can lead to low confidence and self-esteem, which can be extremely damaging in the long run. These feelings limit a child’s aspirations in school and lead to eating disorders and self-harm. In recent years, the number of young people needing mental health support has risen. And the NHS has reported a rise in the number of teenage girls being admitted to hospitals for eating disorders.
Airbrushed realities
Unlike previous generations, children today have to also deal with the pressures of social media. There is no hiding from it. Young people must actively challenge what they see. We all have a part to play in educating young people about unrealistic body images. We can point out airbrushed images and make sure young people know that adverts are often false portrayals of everyday life. Young people can also be encouraged to draw their self-worth from places beyond their looks. With more positive role models, hobbies, and guidance, the media will have less power to shape how children value themselves.
The state of childr
en's well-being
As well as battling expectations about body image, young people are also contenting with pressures at school, unhealthy friendships and uncertainty about the future. Our Good Childhood Report shines a light on young people's well-being.