ABSTRACT
A positive body image helps children to feel confident, to be resilient and to flourish. The researchers concluded that public-health initiatives on body image should target younger children to prevent them from developing eating disorders in their teenage years. There are widespread concerns about the impact of social media use and children’s mental health. Children can become anxious about creating the right image and being approved of or ‘liked’ online. In studies of adolescents and younger children, girls consistently show greater concern than boys about their body image. Evidence shows that overweight children, primarily girls, are bullied and teased about their appearance more than other children. Photographs of various young children from celebrities’ families wearing designer brands, adult clothes and make-up have featured in magazines and newspapers. There are small movements to improve the visibility and representation of those with a visible difference or disability.
