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Start Talking!
Know! Body
Image Matters
8/1/2017
Summer is a season of sleeveless tops, shorts and bathing suits, so
what better time than now to talk with youth about their body image.
Body Image is the way individuals think and feel about their own body,
as well as how they perceive others to think and feel about their
appearance. Heavily influenced by family, friends and media, one’s body
image can be positive or negative.
StartTalkingImage-1.jpgThe majority of youth, unfortunately, say they
are not satisfied with their body size, shape or weight; 90 percent of
females and up to 60 percent of males reported negative feelings about
their body (that’s right, body image affects our sons as well as our
daughters).
There is nothing unusual or unhealthy with teens being concerned about
their appearance, or occasionally feeling self-conscious. It is a
problem however, when one’s negative body image becomes all-consuming,
producing extreme feelings of low self-worth, constant comparison to
others and envy. Such feelings can lead to poor self-esteem, depression
and even suicidal thoughts (contributing to binge drinking and other
drug use, in an attempt to escape the pain). Other dangerous behaviors
may accompany negative body image as well, like restrictive dieting and
binge eating (most common among girls), or the use of drugs and
supplements to enhance physique (most common among boys).
Teens with a positive body image are more likely to feel good about
themselves, take proper care of their bodies and radiate confidence.
So what exactly does a positive body image consist of and how can we
help to foster it in our students?
Positive body image is the recognition and acceptance that healthy
bodies come in different shapes and sizes; that body size and shape
does not predict success or happiness; that people are more than
numbers on a scale; and that images in the media are unrealistic and
created to sell a product.
To promote a healthier, more positive body image within students:
Be a role model for children by using appropriate language when
referencing your own appearance or that of others, express a positive
attitude towards food and exercise and encourage students to break the
habit (if they have one) of making unkind comments about the way other
people look.
Focus and give praise to children based more on their individual
skills, talents and abilities and less on their appearance.
Encourage participation in exercise and activities that will help them
feel good about themselves.
Teach children to think critically about the images and messages they
are exposed to in the media.
Help students develop a positive social support system by encouraging
them to befriend people who are positive, confident and inspire them to
be their best.
If you suspect or know of a student experiencing an eating disorder,
depression or potentially having suicidal thoughts, or if you believe a
student is turning to substances for help or comfort, have the school
reach out to his or her parents or other caregivers as quickly as
possible and encourage them to contact their family physician for
guidance and next steps.
Learn how to get the drug prevention conversation started at
StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.
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