Body Image from an Early Age: A Problem and Its Potential Answer

There is a growing trend in body image disorders  and a tension around the subject. Each year reports statistics of lower age groups feeling the weight of these problems, too. According to doctors Askos and Levitt, 

“Students in middle school, in the midst of puberty, begin to establish an individual identity outside the family unit (Berk, 1999). Vast arrays of personal and con-textual changes occur simultaneously (Berk; Eccles,Lord, Roeser, Barber, & Jozefowicz, 1997). Part of personal and social development in middle school is the development and continued evolution of one’s body image.” (Askos & Levitt, 2002)

In a different study by Askos & Levitt, half of girls and a third of boys wanted thinner, different bodies. And it's easy to see where these ideas are coming from: everywhere. A child's toy tells it that it needs to have incredible muscles (G.I. Joe) or Barbie's impossible image. Media, whether through movies, pictures, or television, bombards children with thousands of images a day. So, with body image being a target even from a young age, it would make sense to post a solution at that age as well. 

Education and knowledge about body image and the encouragement for healthy diet and exercise are the best solutions because they show the person what a good, healthy body is and how the media can portray humans wrongly. Parents can help their children too by keeping healthy snacks and being mindful of the habits in place. Also, parents should avoid negative criticism of anyone (even themselves) as children will hear and value strongly those opinions on body image. In an article by Psychotherapist Abigail Natenshon, she advises parents against negative criticism of themselves and others.

“The vulnerable child is quick to take in and personalize what are otherwise meant to be benign “throw away” comments. Harmful messages get transmitted to children unintentionally, and may result in body image disturbances.” (Natenshon, 2006)

Though there aren't many programs so far in the US, the Central YMCA in the United Kingdom is engaging in the process of passing a bill that would help institute the first body-image education courses for ages 11-14. A link to their website here: http://www.ymca.co.uk/bodyimage/