How can future generations experience better body image?
Young people share their views on body image
In today’s media driven society, young people are increasingly vulnerable to poor body image.
But thanks to charities like Fixers, young people have the opportunity to openly discuss body image issues.
In this guest post, Lucy Tatchell, News & Features Editor at Fixers, shares what it’s like for young people growing up in an appearance obsessed society, and the changes needed to tackle poor body image head on.
Growing up these days can be pretty tough.
Social media has changed the landscape in which our young people interact, form friendships and go about their day-to-day lives.
It also has a huge influence on the way these young people see themselves.
On the 18th April 2018, around 50 young people from across the country got together in London to talk frankly about body image. They wanted to use their experiences on the issue to bring about change, and ensure future generations don’t have the same battles they did.
Take Bethany, who became horrified when she developed hips during puberty. This, coupled with being bullied at school, led to the young girl developing an eating disorder.
Now in recovery, the young woman wants parents to talk to their children about changes to body shape.
‘Parents should be open with their children,’ she said.
‘Some kids don’t understand why their hips are getting wider; parents should reassure their children and tell them this is normal.’
Education
Taunts in the playground, being weighed in front of peers and teachers not taking bullying seriously; these were all lived experiences of young people at primary school.
They want to see more being done to teach children about difference and are calling for teachers to take bullying seriously.
Home
Have you ever talked about your ‘summer body’ at home?
Or stood on the scales in front of your children and sighed?
What effect do these comments have on the young, sponge-like brains of children?
Those at the event said casual talk of dieting at home can give confusing messages and urged adults to be role models – don’t expect a child to be body confident if you yourself are not.
Media
Photoshop was seen by many young people as a source of all evil – creating body ‘ideals’ almost impossible to replicate.
They want to see disclaimers used by magazines stating Photoshop has been used to alter and retouch images.
Health
The big question here was ‘is body image a physical or mental problem when it comes to health?’
The young people were critical of medics treating eating disorders as a physical problem, when it was often rooted in mental health.
They want to see a more holistic approach to healthcare, where the mental and physical needs are tackled as one.
Employment
When accessing employment the young people felt there were still sweeping assumptions made by older generations about gender specific roles.
They want to see body image incorporated into the Discrimination Act and more training in the workplace about acceptance of different looks.
At the end of a productive day the young people left feeling confident about the future.
Lyla summed it up perfectly: ‘Do not change, just be who you are,’ she said.
The event was organised by Fixers, the charity giving young people a voice.
You can find out more about Fixers and the incredible work that they do across a number of different areas here.
Access the micro-site containing details of the event including reports published on young peoples’ body image here.
Guest post by Lucy Tatchell, News & Features Editor, Fixers.
