"Girls have their self-esteem undermined every day in our culture." Says Dr. Carla Rice, a body image specialist.
Consider the following statistics:
- Body image dissatisfaction has been found in girls as young as nine years old.
- Several studies have demonstrated a desire to be thinner in girls as young as seven.
- Only two percent of women globally consider themselves beautiful.
It is not uncommon to experience feelings of awkwardness or self-consciousness as adolescents begin looking and feeling differently than they used to. Developing a good skin care routine, healthy eating habits, and engaging in moderate daily exercise can help ease their way through puberty.
Teens also need to know is that the images they see on television, in the magazines and on the billboards are not real. These images have been photo shopped to make them appear taller, thinner and flawless. See how a billboard is created.
Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D., internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work on the images of women in advertising - has produced an amazing video showcasing how unrealistic images of women have created a public health issue. View her video.
In conclusion, we need to start a revolution to protect the health and well-being of our children. We need to teach boys and girls alike that the definitions of beauty used in advertising are not real, and that no woman actually looks like that. We need to teach each and every young woman that she is beautiful - just as she is.
If your teen is struggling, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.
 | Los Angeles Teen Therapist
Sandra Dupont MA, MS, MFT |
Let me demonstrate the support I can offer to your family.
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