Did you know that body image develops at a very young age? At the rate our children consume mainstream media, they are at a high risk for unhealthy body image issues. A recent study from Common Sense Media, reveals some of the key findings: (full report here)
- Body dissatisfaction and related unhealthy behaviors are quite prevalent among children and teens in the U.S., while societal appearance ideals have become increasingly unrealistic.
- Body image is developed in early childhood, and even very young children exhibit body dissatisfaction.
- Body image is learned, and formed from many different sources, of which media are only one.
- Traditional mainstream media contain unrealistic, idealized, sexualized, and stereotypical portrayals of body types.
- Exposure to traditional media is a risk factor for developing body dissatisfaction.
- Social media afford teens the capacity for immediate visual and verbal public judgement and comparison, which could affect body image.
- Presenting their self image in social media can shape teens' self esteem both positively and negatively.
The following infographic contains advice for parents and adults caring for children:
The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation was created to reduce the national dropout rate and increase the graduation rate. Dr. Shelly Stewart, son of the late Mattie C. Stewart, grew up in the segregated South. He faced many hardships during his life including witnessing the murder of his mother at the hands of his abusive father. In spite of his hardships, Dr. Stewart remains firm in what transformed his life...the gift of Reading. His education and literacy saved him from a life of failure. It is his intent, through the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation to promote literacy as an effort to keep children in school and out of trouble.