We're living in an era where selfies and social media have become an integral part of our daily lives, and for children growing up in this digital age, the concept of self-worth is increasingly tied to the number of "likes" they receive on their online posts. Adding to this, the media’s influence, with its unrealistic portrayals of airbrushed beauty and perfection – impossible to replicate in real life – makes it challenging for us parents to help our children cultivate healthy attitudes toward body image.
Promoting positive body image
It is our responsibility as parents to ensure the messages our children receive are well intended and informed, and promote good self-esteem and a positive body image. Here are some practical steps you can take to promote a positive body image in your child:
Monitor their social media habits: Be aware of the platforms they use and have open conversations about their online experiences.
Watch for red flags: Be vigilant for signs such as mood swings, comparison to others, social withdrawal, changes in eating and sleeping habits, depression, and excessive self-scrutiny.
Initiate conversations: Ask your child about their thoughts on body image, online validation, and how they could support friends who struggle with these issues.
Daytime social media use: Encourage your child to keep their social media use to daylight hours. In the evenings, the prefrontal cortex (rational brain) becomes less alert, making it more challenging to regulate the amygdala (emotional brain), resulting in poor decision-making and heightened emotional responses, potentially triggering negative feelings. Adolescents already have difficulty regulating their emotions because their prefrontal cortex is ‘under construction’ until around the age of 25.