Body Talk

Social media is a huge part of growing up. But what’s the cost to children’s mental health? We ask experts and hear real stories.

Six out of ten girls say they feel consumed by negative thoughts about how they look. Eight out of ten feel too much pressure from the media.* Body image issues among young people are escalating – what can we do to help?

Six out of ten girls say they feel consumed by negative thoughts about how they look. Eight out of ten feel too much pressure from the media.* Body image issues among young people are escalating – what can we do to help?

Mersey Care’s School Health team supports young people with body image issues. They’ve created a six week programme offering one to one support for pupils who they feel need help. The sessions help young people understand how external influences like social media and diet culture affect their view of themselves and teach them life long skills to challenge harmful ideas. Workforce Development and Education Lead, Georgia Bagnell says supporting children early can prevent more serious problems later.

“We know pressures on appearance affect someone’s mental health and wellbeing. Occasional insecurities are normal but a high level of dissatisfaction with how you look can lead to long lasting problems like eating disorders and drug use. Adults can help by not criticising their own appearance around young people – we all need to empower the next generation to love the skin they’re in.”

Lexie is 13, chatty and full of fun. She has glowing skin, glossy hair and an infectious grin. Yet she’s not always confident about her appearance.

Lexie’s friends look out for each other and she’s bolstered by support from her family. But she still feels the pressure both online and in real life.

“I’ve seen videos on TikTok and Snapchat where kids as young as seven are posting make up and skin care routines.

“My dad says, ‘Why would you want to look like someone else? Don’t follow the crowd, be yourself.’ But sometimes people call you names and it gets to you. I try to ignore it but sometimes I can’t.”

A survey in Lexie’s school as part of the Healthy Child Progamme highlighted her worries. With support from the School Health team, she’s learned to think more positively about herself and has helped them develop a body image intervention programme to help other young people struggling with the same issues.

Lexie shares a smile. “I still feel pressure sometimes, but I’ve learnt how to deal with it much better.”

Look out for:

• Changes in behaviour or avoiding activities like PE

• A child avoiding time with friends or family to be alone

• Changes in eating habits

• Wearing different types of clothing and covering up their body

• Comparing themselves to others.

How to help – Georgia’s tips:

• Avoid talking about weight and diets

• Don’t put emphasis on looks. Celebrate their achievements and personality

• Monitor social media time and unfollow negative accounts

• Don’t label food as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ – try using ‘fun food.’

Find out more

School Health Teams :: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Be Body Positive - Support for Young People, Parents, Carers & Professionals

Beat Eating Disorders charity: beateatingdisorders.org.uk

YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds offers advice on how to have a positive time online. Understanding your social media feed, blocking or reporting accounts and dealing with online bullying are among the topics covered.

What girls say

Every year the Girlguiding organisation asks over 2,500 girls and young women aged 7 to 21 how they feel about their everyday lives.

36% say they feel pressure to use filters on social media

85% knew girls their age who had experienced anxiety, self harm, depression or an eating disorder