- Youth are exposed to a lot of images that they may not see in their everyday life. The diversity of body shapes, abilities and cultural backgrounds may not be represented in popular social media.
- Some social media platforms use algorithms to track what you look at on their site. They use the information to make decisions about what to show you. This can mean that the more a youth engages with a specific type of content, the more of that content they will see. Learning more about this with your child may help them develop a better understanding of how social media works.
This western view of ‘ideal’ beauty standards may differ with other cultures worldviews. It’s important for children and youth to see bodies that reflect their community as well as other populations.
Some actions you can take:
- Be aware of who your child is following or seeing on social media. Many images are edited and show beauty standards that are unrealistic. Children and youth may compare their own bodies to these images.
- Help your child to understand that social media is just a small snapshot of someone’s life.
- Work with your child to check in with themselves after they use social media accounts to see if it makes them feel good about themselves. Consider blocking or muting accounts that don’t make them feel good.
- Depending on the age and stage of your child, consider sitting with them and exploring the online world together.
Social Media terms
Body positivity is a term which focuses on loving your body as it is. This view celebrates all body shapes and sizes and challenges society’s ‘ideal’ beauty standards. It can help youth believe that their self-worth is not tied to their body shapes or sizes.
Body neutrality is a term that focuses on accepting and respecting how our bodies function, giving less attention to body appearance. This approach can empower youth to focus on overall health and other parts of themselves (for example: social, education, hobbies).
