Year 8 Pastoral Guardian

Many studies exist which link the importance of having a positive body image on a person’s physical and mental health, where the absence increases the risks of developing an eating disorder. In HPE, your child is currently studying ‘Confident Me’, a unit that focuses on identifying cultural appearance ideals and the influence media has on self-image. They are being encouraged to celebrate the qualities and interests that make them unique. Unfortunately, as social media and peers have such a huge influence in the life of a teenager, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for parents to foster a positive body image in their child. 

Rachel Cohen, a psychologist, and PhD Candidate at UTS Graduate School of Health, urges parents to discuss with their child how social media portrays body image ideals that are often unrealistic and unattainable. It’s important to talk to your child about the pros and cons of social media use. They need to be made aware of how the way they engage online may affect the way they think, feel and behave. Studies have also found that parents who are involved in their child’s media usage lead to a child who is more resilient to the negative impacts of it.

SchoolTV Clinical Psychologist Louise Adams states, “Parents have the power to stop the legacy of body dissatisfaction. We learned to hate our bodies. We can un-learn it and pave the way for a body inclusive future.” What a powerful statement!

If you’d like some further guidance on the types of attitudes to exemplify and therefore foster in your teenager, below is a guide with 10 key ways to help build a better self-image.