Summer is a fun, relaxation, and socializing season, especially for tweens and teens. However, for many young people, it can also be a time of increased anxiety about body image. According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly one-third of teenagers feel ashamed of some aspect of their body, and these concerns often intensify during the summer months when clothing is more revealing and swimwear becomes a staple.
Body image issues are prevalent, particularly among women, with studies showing that only one in five women are satisfied with their bodies. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) explains that summer, despite being a season of activity and engagement, can heighten anxiety over body image due to constant reminders to achieve the “perfect bikini body.” This societal pressure affects even the most confident individuals.
Understanding the Impact of Social Media
The influence of social media cannot be underestimated when discussing body image concerns among teens. At thirteen, 53% of American girls are unhappy with their bodies, a figure that rises to 78% by age seventeen. The pressure to look a certain way, compounded by the ubiquity of influencers and social media, can significantly impact self-esteem and body satisfaction.
Strategies to Promote Body Positivity
Several effective strategies can help teens embrace their bodies and enjoy their summer:
- Eliminate the Scale
One of the most impactful steps is to remove the focus on weight. A number on a scale should not determine the worth of an individual. Frequent weigh-ins can lead to adverse mental health outcomes and foster disordered eating behaviors. They encourage a mindset that values health and wellbeing over specific weight standards.
- Practice Gratitude and Positivity
It is essential to teach teens to appreciate their bodies for what they can do rather than how they look. Our bodies perform excellent functions daily, from running and jumping to experiencing the joys of taste. Encouraging teens to practice gratitude and maintain a positive attitude can help them develop a healthier relationship with their bodies.
Promoting mindfulness can also be beneficial. By focusing on internal awareness and self-acceptance, teens can better filter out negative messages from the media and society.
- Challenge Unrealistic Societal Standards
Educating teens about the unrealistic nature of many societal standards is essential. Images in magazines and online are often edited and filtered, creating an unattainable ideal. Encouraging teens to aspire to be their best selves rather than comparing themselves to others can foster a healthier self-image.
2. Promote Holistic Wellbeing
Emphasizing holistic wellbeing, which involves nourishing both body and mind, can significantly improve body image. This includes regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, practicing mindfulness, developing positive coping skills, connecting with nature or spirituality, and strengthening social bonds. By focusing on overall wellbeing rather than appearance, teens can enhance their mental health and relationship with their bodies.
3. Model a Positive Body Image
Parents and caregivers are powerful role models for their children. How adults talk about and interact with their bodies can significantly influence a teen’s body image. Avoiding disparaging comments about one’s appearance and promoting a healthy body image can help teens feel more comfortable in their skin. Research shows that when parents have a positive relationship with their bodies, their children are likelier to do the same.
Conclusion
Helping teens embrace their bodies and enjoy summer involves a multifaceted approach that includes eliminating harmful practices like frequent weigh-ins, practicing gratitude and positivity, challenging unrealistic societal standards, promoting holistic wellbeing, and modeling a positive body image. By implementing these strategies, we can support our teens in developing a healthy, confident relationship with their bodies and enjoying the summer to the fullest.