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Teenagers are at a stage in their lives when their emotions are at the mercy of their hormones. They are susceptible to highs and lows that can affect their decisions about how they feel about the way that they look.

Great importance is placed on appearance by the media and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to such influence. Lack of education about the images that are presented in films and magazines can lead people of all ages to strive towards an impossible ideal when it comes to appearance.

As adults we can help teenagers who are affected negatively by the images of perfection in magazines and on billboards by teaching them about the tricks that the media use to create such images. By informing them about how imperfections are erased before the pictures are presented to the public can help them to see that they are normal and cannot possibly be like most models are shown to look, as the models themselves do not look that way either.

Actors and actresses often use body doubles to make parts of themselves seem more attractive. This gives the false impression that their look is attainable. Whilst we all have good and not so good parts to our physical structure, not many people in reality have the whole package of perfection.

The peers of the average teenager tend to encourage attention upon appearance and they often compare themselves in this way. If a teenager feels that they are inadequate it can lead to lack of self esteem and depression.

Whilst most parents mean well they can unintentionally negatively affect their teenagers by focusing too much on appearance themselves. Teenagers look to them as role models and if they see their parents fussing over their own appearance and worrying they will be more likely to follow suit than if their parents subtlety kept their appearance issues to themselves.

Unfortunately, some teenagers fall victim to eating disorders. This can go unnoticed until it has become serious and the young person needs medical attention and counseling. If parents make themselves aware of the symptoms of these disorders they will be more likely to spot it if it affects their children and will know how to respond positively. Teaching young people about eating disorders in schools would also be helpful.

We can not entirely control the direction that our teenagers will take when it comes to body image, but by educating ourselves as well as them we will be better prepared if they have a problem.

Learn more about this author, Bridget Webber.
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