According to Common Sense Media, a survey by The Today Show and AOL.com (2014) found that 80% of teen girls compare themselves to images they see of celebrities, and, within that group, almost half say the images make them feel dissatisfied with the way they look. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that in 2020, nearly 230,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on teens aged 13-19, indicating a growing desire among young people to change their appearance surgically.
These statistics highlight the pervasive issue of body image concerns among teenagers and the significant impact of media, social media, and societal pressures.
Understanding the complexities of body image issues is crucial, especially for parents and educators of teenagers. According to the UK’s Mental Health Foundation, one significant factor contributing to poor body image is the pressure to conform to an “ideal” body type or appearance. This pressure leads to feelings of shame or discomfort when someone perceives themself as falling short of this standard. The internalization of this ideal has been associated with body dissatisfaction, disordered eating patterns, and depressive symptoms, particularly among children and young people.
Mass Media and Body Image
But who perpetuates this unrealistic standard? It’s often advertisers, Hollywood, and Media Influencers who play a significant role. They utilize tools such as filters, Photoshop, AI, and other editing techniques to present images that are far from reality. These manipulated images create unrealistic beauty standards, which can have detrimental effects on individuals’ mental health and well-being, especially when they compare themselves to these unattainable ideals.
The reality is, we are all complicit in instilling the idea of this beauty ideal, as many of us spend untold money and time trying to achieve that unrealistic ideal. From buying beauty products and undergoing cosmetic procedures to following strict diets and fitness regimens, we often go to great lengths to conform to societal standards of beauty. This relentless pursuit not only affects our self-esteem but also reinforces and perpetuates the unrealistic standards that continue to pressure others, including our children.
Fortunately, not all advertisers buy into this game of the “beauty ideal.” The Dove Self-Esteem Project began in 2004 as part of Dove’s broader Campaign for Real Beauty. This initiative was created to promote positive body image and self-esteem among young people. It has since reached millions of young people globally through educational programs and resources designed for parents, teachers, and youth leaders. While Dove is working hard to shift the paradigm, the majority of media still promotes an unrealistic standard of beauty for both females and males. This can leave teenagers feeling inadequate and constantly striving to meet these impossible standards. The impact is profound: teens may develop a distorted self-image, leading to issues like body dysmorphia and eating disorders.
The Power of Authenticity
The good news is we can all do something to create the change we want to see in the world. Instead of using filters on TikTok and Instagram, try posting the real you, flaws and all. This shows the world what real people look like. Modeling this behavior for your teens is a powerful message of empowerment; it teaches them that true beauty lies in authenticity and self-acceptance, rather than in conforming to unrealistic standards. By embracing and celebrating their uniqueness, they can inspire others to do the same, fostering a culture of acceptance and positivity both online and offline.
Further, teaching your children about the filtered, adjusted, and AI-enhanced images prevalent in both social media and advertising is crucial for developing their critical thinking and self-esteem. It’s important to help them understand that the pictures they see online and in advertisements are often not real representations of people. These images are frequently altered to fit an unrealistic standard of beauty that no one can naturally achieve.
The Reality of Media Manipulation: Explain to your children how filters, photo-editing software, and AI enhancements are used to change everything from skin tone and body shape to facial features and hair texture. Show them before-and-after examples of edited images so they can see the drastic changes that are made. Discuss how these practices create a false perception of beauty that can be harmful.
Open Communication: Create a safe and welcoming space for your teen to talk about their feelings and experiences. Let them know they can come to you with any concerns or thoughts, and that you will listen without judgment. It’s important to show empathy and understanding, validating their emotions and letting them know that their feelings are real and important.
Education on Media Literacy: Encourage your children to be critical consumers of media by discussing the unrealistic portrayals they encounter and helping them develop a discerning eye. Promote the consumption of body-positive content by following influencers and accounts on social media that promote self-love, body acceptance, and diversity. Encourage your kids to unfollow anyone who promotes unrealistic body images.
Role Modeling: Demonstrate a healthy relationship with food and body image by exhibiting positive behaviors yourself. Avoid making negative comments about your own body or others, as this can send mixed messages and reinforce negative body image. Show your child how to have a healthy relationship with food and body image by modeling positive behavior yourself.
Celebrating Diversity: Teach your children that everyone is unique and that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Emphasize that there is no single standard of beauty, and what makes people truly beautiful is their individuality and uniqueness. Show them examples of diverse body types in media, literature, and real life, and celebrate the differences that make each person special.
Professional Support: If your child is struggling with severe body image issues or an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. There is no shame in seeking help for mental issues, the brain is an organ, and you would go to the doctor for issues with your other organs. Why treat your brain differently? A professional can provide specialized support and treatment to help your child develop a healthier relationship with their body.
By understanding the influences on teens’ body image and actively promoting positive self-perception, we can help our children navigate the challenges of growing up in a filtered world. Encouraging authenticity and self-acceptance will empower them to embrace their true selves and lead healthier, happier lives.
Angela Legh is an International Freelance Author, an International Bestselling Author, and Motivational Speaker. She is passionate about promoting emotional intelligence with her book series The Bella Santini Chronicles.