Womanthismonth.com 78 July 2024 Teens and Body Image Struggling with one’s body image is something we can all relate to. It’s something that is better dealt with when the right fundamentals are put in place as teens when we first notice changes. Ouiam El Hassani tells you how to help your teen have a healthy body image. So, how can you spot red flags that your teen might be struggling? While some self-consciousness is a normal part of adolescence, be mindful of signs that might indicate a deeper issue. Is your teen constantly checking mirrors, weighing themselves daily, or fixated on negative self-talk about their body? Are they drastically changing their eating habits, skipping meals or exercising excessively in a way that seems unhealthy? Have they become less social, avoiding activities where their bodies are on display? Are they expressing feelings of isolation or depression? Picture day dread. Social media envy. Corridors and hallways anxieties. Welcome to the wild world of teen body image! As a parent, witnessing your teen navigate this often-challenging terrain can feel overwhelming. Fear not! This journey can be a collaborative effort and you can be a powerful ally in helping your teen build rock-solid confidence. Teens today face a relentless barrage of unrealistic beauty standards. Social media acts as a funhouse mirror, reflecting distorted images of “perfection” through filtered photos and curated online personas. The constant comparison to these unattainable ideals can chip away at their selfesteem, creating a sense of inadequacy and insecurity. The desire to fit in adds another layer of complexity. Peer pressure can lead teens to believe in a narrow definition of beauty and teasing or bullying based on appearance can be a major confidence crusher. Then comes puberty which throws a wrench into everything. Rapid physical changes can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when combined with societal expectations about what a “normal” body should look like. Social media acts as a funhouse mirror, reflecting distorted images of “perfection” through filtered photos and curated online personas. LIFESTYLE| parenting
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