Let’s face it: In a world flooded with smartphones, instant messaging and super-fast internet, social media has become an undeniable part of growing up.
In our day, we used a rotary telephone to check if our mates were home or sloth-paced dial-up internet to check our Myspace account.
Today’s kids will never know this struggle.
They live in a world of convenience and chasing illusions seems to be the norm.
Our children are more worried about their phone’s battery life and the number of likes on their recent social posts than about real-life interactions and school grades. Right?
While social media has its perks, offering connection with friends and family, it’s also become a significant challenge for parents to navigate its potentially treacherous waters. There are so many things we parents must be aware of, from cyberbullying and predatory threats to the negative impact unrealistic body expectations can cause.
We’re taking a deep dive into this topic, so stick around if you want to know more.
Boys And Their Bodies: The Influence Of Bodybuilders And Fitness Influencers On Young Males
Social media can influence the body image of young males – sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.
On the positive side, bodybuilders and fitness influencers can promote proper nutrition, good bedtime routines, and regular exercise as key driving forces towards a healthier lifestyle.
On the flip side, young men could develop body dissatisfaction, dependence on performance-enhancing drugs and eating disorder symptoms because of these influencers.
Studies show that 91% of UK and US adolescents use social media – YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat – with 50% of today’s youth checking these platforms at least once hourly.
The global study also investigated the link between social media and body image dissatisfaction among youths aged 10 to 24. It concluded that “social media usage is a plausible risk factor for the development of eating disorders”. We can assume these issues and other health problems stem from the constant comparisons kids face because of social media.
Other concerns
- Cyberbullying: Social media can be a breeding ground for online trolls. Bullies may torment or harass kids for their perceived flaws. These “flaws” could be anything from not having enough muscle mass to acne. Cyberbullying can cause severe stress and trauma to those involved, often leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, isolation, suicidal ideation, and other health issues.
- Predatory dangers: Predators may create fake profiles and fabricated online personas to target and manipulate vulnerable children. The pressure to conform to idealised images online can make young boys and girls more susceptible to flattery or promises of “acceptance” (or worse!) from seemingly older peers.
- Viral trends: Reports have shown that the rise of steroid-promoting content on social media platforms like TikTok is a growing concern, especially for young men. These trends often glamourise the use of these drugs which can further warp young, impressionable minds.
Performance-Enhancing Drugs And The Unrealistic Standards They Set
Imagine scrolling through your Instagram feed and being greeted by a constant stream of perfectly sculpted physiques, flawless skin and airbrushed images. This could be the daily reality of many children, warping their perception of beauty and body standards – for both girls and boys.
As adults, we know these images are heavily edited.
Kids – not so much.
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While the focus on body image might seem aimed primarily at young girls, social media also paints an unrealistic picture of body expectations for young men.
The use of performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs), like anabolic steroids, human growth hormone (hGH), and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), is being fueled by unrealistic body standards. Even worse is that it’s being promoted on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Online fitness fanatics and bodybuilding pros bombard young males with images of extreme muscle mass (“swole”), strength improvements (“gains”), and well-developed “ripped” muscles. These influencers often punt that having these hyper-muscular physiques makes them a snack (Gen-Z slang for attractive).
Most young boys (with raging hormones!) desire a fit body with bulging abs and an attractive partner to boast about on social media. They may feel pressured to use PIEDs as a quick and easy way to enhance their physical appearance, gain muscle mass, improve athletic performance, and attract a partner.
Chasing this illusion is the problem.
The dangers of performance and image-enhancing drugs
PIEDs have been used in the bodybuilding industry for decades. They’re Schedule-C drugs and can only be obtained with a prescription. As explained, they’re used to build muscle, drop excess body fat, and speed up recovery in a short space of time.
However, PIEDs are banned in professional sports and are usually only prescribed to treat serious disorders, like low testosterone, or to promote muscle growth for those suffering from illnesses like cancer or AIDs.
These drugs, often associated with serious health consequences, are a growing concern in the age of social media. Let’s take a look at a few of the dangers:
- Reduced sperm count
- Shrunken testicles
- Erectile dysfunction
- Kidney and heart problems
- Psychological issues – e.g. aggression and mood swings
- Increased risk of prostate cancer
- And more
Additionally, there are significant risks that could stem from chasing these unrealistic standards, such as:
- Addiction
- Blood-borne diseases (from shared needles)
- Steroid dependence
- Mental health conditions like depression or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
It’s our parental moral duty to steer our sons (and daughters) away from these delusional expectations of themselves. We must encourage an environment focused on overall health, not physical appearance.
Parent Tip: How To Promote Healthy Body Image And Self-Esteem For Our Kids
So, how can we help our kids navigate the world of social media and develop a healthy body image? Here are some tips:
- Lead by example: Children learn from actions, not words. Promote healthy habits and avoid negative self-talk about your own body.
- Open communication: Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings and concerns regarding body image. Explain the dangers of [AI-generated content] and how influencers may use illegal PIEDs to achieve those washboard abs.
- Call it out: Discuss the use of filters and editing tools with your child. Help them understand that the images they see online are often not a true representation of reality.
- Focus on health: Shift the conversation from physical appearance to healthy habits like balanced meals, regular exercise, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. We must reiterate to our kids that their value is not defined by their looks but rather by how they respect themselves and others.
- Limit screen time: Set healthy boundaries for social media usage and encourage other activities that promote self-esteem, like sports, creative hobbies, or spending time outdoors. Consider parental controls to monitor your kids’ online activity.
Real-Life Stories: Kids Affected By Social Media Body Standards
An article by The Guardian stated that three out of four children as young as 12 dislike their bodies because they compare themselves to what they see online.
Nearly 50% of the young people interviewed in the study, aged 12 to 21, stated that they had started exercising excessively, self-harming or withdrawing from social gatherings due to regular online bullying targeting their physical appearance.
This has caused an explosion of adolescent mental health issues, with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders being the biggest culprits.
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One young person said: “Social media has a huge impact on how we see ourselves. I feel pressured to look like something that has been edited and altered. If social media didn’t exist, I wouldn’t compare myself or be compared: I’d just get on with life.”
These issues highlight the urgent need for supportive interventions. Parents, educators and caregivers must work together to provide resources and foster environments that promote positive self-image and mental well-being.
Important note: If you or someone you know is struggling with body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem, consider downloading the free Worth Warrior app or seek professional help.
Expert Advice: Fostering A Positive Self-image In Children
Karina Martinez, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), states that self-image is developed in childhood. Martinez also noted that positive self-worth perceptions often start with and are formed by a child’s caregiver/s.
She encourages parents and caregivers to acknowledge and regularly praise their kid’s positive qualities and strengths. Coupled with positive affirmations, these interactions drown out the naysayers, contributing to better self-worth.
Dr Linda Papadopoulos, psychologist, author and Internet Matters ambassador, confirms heavy social media usage is directly linked to health problems, such as sleep disorders and anxiety. She also states that it’s natural for teens to compare themselves to what’s splashed across glossy magazines and social media.
Social media bombards kids with unrealistic images that make them feel bad about themselves. The problem is that the self-worth of today’s kids is often driven by the number of likes and shares their social posts get. To counter this, she encourages parents to:
- Teach critical thinking: Help kids understand that online images are curated and don’t reflect reality.
- Promote media balance: Encourage kids to follow a variety of social accounts and avoid those that make them feel bad.
- Focus on inner worth: Shift the focus from appearance to qualities like personality and interests.
The Conversation Continues
We want to hear from you.
Do you feel social media has [caused our kids to grow up too fast]? Has social media affected your children’s body image? What approach did you take to address the issue?
Share your tips and thoughts in the comments section below.
We’d love to hear what you think…
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