Body Image and Teen Girls
In today’s world filled with Tik Tok trends, influencers, and insta-worthy pics, body image issues with teen girls seem to be on the rise. One article in The Journal of Eating Disorders suggests that there is a correlation between teens who edit photos of themselves and worries about their body and diet. Another study revealed that there could be a link between photo editing and the acceptance of cosmetic procedures. It is important now, more than ever to educate our daughters about body image, self-acceptance, and self-esteem.
Here are some tips to share with your teen about promoting positive body image:
- As a parent, be mindful of your own self-talk about body image and try to model positive body affirming statements.
- Teach your daughter about unrealistic beauty standards and how social media encourages unobtainable beauty ideals.
- Simply encourage your teenager to consider how social media is playing an important role towards their own body image. Is it promoting unrealistic body expectations? After scrolling, do they often feel better or worse about themselves? It may be necessary to take a social media break.
- Challenge negative self-talk about body image. Instead of saying ‘I’ll never look like that,’ celebrate ways in which you are unique.
- Teach teens to be careful of comparing themselves to others.
Local Body Image Group for Teen Girls
Soleil Counseling is hosting a body image group for teen girls. The group will focus on topics such as feeling better in your own skin and body acceptance through positive self-talk. Each session will have a structured topic and members can attend based off interest. Groups are free of charge and participants are welcome to come to all sessions or just a few. Learn more HERE.
