Strengthening Body Image in Adolescents
The teenage years come with a lot of change. There are emotional, physical, and psychological changes that teens have to manage. Navigating their true identities, body image, and relationships on top of juggling their homework, studying, and extracurriculars is a lot to deal with.
All of these different areas play a key role in their mental health and overall self-esteem. And the added pressure from the media, society, social media, and their peers can already make it even more difficult for them to accept and love their bodies.
Strengthening your teen’s body image during this time can be a crucial component to helping their overall mental health and wellness. Let’s explore how you can better support your teen during this time.
Build Media Literacy
Try to have open and honest conversations with your teen to help them build their media literacy. The world is filled with heavily edited images on screens, in advertisements and websites, and even on social media. It can be hard for a teen to determine what’s real versus fake. Having open conversations with them can reduce the impact of unrealistic beauty standards and help them see that real bodies come in all different sizes and shapes.
Be a Good Role Model
Keep in mind that your children, especially teenagers, pick up a lot more than you may think. While it may feel like your teen wants nothing to do with you, they’ll actually be observing you more than you realize. Because of this, it’s even more important to be a good role model and be mindful of what you're saying, especially to yourself.
Make sure you’re treating yourself and your own body with compassion, kindness, and respect. This means no negative self-talk, body shaming, or crash dieting. When your teen sees you taking care of yourself, they’re more likely to do the same.
Positive Self-Talk
It can be super easy to fall victim to your own negative thoughts. Everyone can be their own worst critic. Try to help your teen switch this mindset and speak to themselves like they’re speaking to a friend. Instead of judgment or criticism, you can encourage them to practice self-love, compassion, and encouragement.
Focus on Function
Instead of focusing all of the attention on how a body looks, try to help your teen think about what they do and how they function. Try to help your teen appreciate what their body can do for them instead of just focusing on what they look like. Try to connect your teen’s interests and hobbies, such as dancing or playing sports, to help them appreciate and respect their body for what it can do for them.
Limit Social Media Usage
Social media is a great place for teens to express themselves, be more creative, and connect with like-minded individuals all over the world. But it can also harm your teen’s mental health and body image.
Social media often captures everyone’s highlight reels instead of what’s actually going on in their daily life. This can make your teen compare their life and body to their peers or complete strangers on the internet and feel like they’re not good enough. If you notice that your teen’s mental health or mood is declining after scrolling through social media, consider implementing social media limits so they don’t end up doomscrolling.
Consider Professional Guidance
It’s important to know the signs for when to reach out for added support. If your teen is showing signs of disordered eating or body dysmorphia, such as avoiding mirrors, obsessing over food, or engaging in negative self-talk, consider reaching out for additional support before these signs worsen.
With the right support, honest conversations, and encouragement, your teen can learn to see themselves more positively. Get in touch today to learn more about teen therapy and strengthening your teen’s body image.
Address
The Counseling Hub, LLC
2804 Forum Blvd., Ste 4
Columbia, MO 65203
Contact Information
p | (573)586-3204
f | (573) 313-3528
e | contact@thecounselinghub.com
Hours
Admin/Ops Team | Monday - Friday: 10a - 3p
*Clinical hours are by appointment only, Sunday - Friday
We have both clinical hours, or the times when our clinical team sees clients, and admin hours, or the times when our admin team is available via call or email.
