Social Media & Body Image

Once upon a time social media’s influence on body image was mostly on TV or in magazines. Today’s teens are affected by those, plus social media that’s right at their fingertips. Parents like you are concerned about the effect this is having on their children. Both girls and boys see others’ selfies, comparing how they appear with many other kids. You’re sure this isn’t helping your teen’s body image and self-esteem. 

First, let’s face the fact that social media use is here to stay. Not liking it or using it as a form of discipline only makes it more attractive. So, are there ways to turn it into something that will work on your teen’s behalf, including when it comes to the sensitive topic of body image?

• Let your teen know that body image concerns happen for adults too. Share what you’ve seen on social media that’s proof of adults’ body image issues.

• Talk with your teen about the downsides and upsides of social media’s influence on body image.

Mindful Action: It’s My Body

Here at Mindful Healing we focus on supporting your teen with moving toward balance. That includes their mood and how they react emotionally to things going on in their life. It’s also about their self perceptions, from their abilities to how they’re built. Your child will live with their body for many years. This is a good time to give them tools for developing their individual image. This ‘It’s My Body’ acronym has tips and prompts to use when your teen gets moody because of how they feel about themselves. 

• Image is whatever I decide it will be. 

  • It means being true to myself. 

  • Feeling good about my body is part of that.

• Talk is just that. 

  • Some people aren’t careful with what they say. 

  • I try to keep my talk upbeat. I do it for me. I do it for others.

• Social is having friends and being part of a group. 

  • I choose to be with people who help each other feel good about themselves.

  • If someone is making me feel bad, I know it’s time to move on.

• Messages matter. 

  • I share ones that help my friends, not ones that are mean.

  • When someone hurts me, I stand up for myself.

• Yes! I can step back, look at my body, and see its good features.

  • I learn from kids who do so for themselves.

  • Then I focus on my mood to be sure I’m balanced. Next, I pick something I like about my body. I tell myself why I like that about myself.

• Beauty and Brawn are more than skin deep.

  • My strength shows when I stand up for myself and others.

  • Real beauty is sharing my interests and appreciating those of my friends.

• Open minds and hearts see people for who they are, deeper than their physical self.

  • If I find myself looking down on someone’s body, I’ll ask why I’m doing that.

  • And, how do I feel when it happens to me?

• Day-by-day I get better at liking my body.

  • No one has a perfect body. So, I can learn to accept mine.

  • Then I take steps to create balance between my body, my mind, and my mood.

• Yes, body image is important, although it doesn’t define who I am, down deep.

  • I learn ways to use my body and personal style to express myself.

  • I use social media to let other kids know it’s okay to be themselves.

When your teen is having a body image slump, it’s okay to remind them of what they’ve said they like about themselves when they’re in an up mood. It helps too to learn more about the effects of social media on different aspects of your teen’s life.

We at Mindful Healing are here to support you in balancing your need to protect your teen with helping them learn to manage life’s complexities for themselves. Let us know what’s on your mind. We’re here to help!