Everyone has a body image — the way we see ourselves physically and the thoughts and emotions that result from this perception. It can be positive or negative. Many children, especially teenagers, suffer from body image issues which can become detrimental to their health, both mentally and physically. These kids suffer from low self-esteem, among other problems, and this often translates to poor performance at school.

Signs of poor body image

Body image issues are wide-ranging and can affect both boys and girls. Concerns about weight and facial acne, for example, are evident in both sexes. Facial acne, often associated with normal hormonal changes in teenagers, can be distressing depending on the severity. Boys also suffer if they feel they are not developing musculature at the rate they believe they should.

Teens suffering from weight concerns are more prone to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Self- mutilation as well as depression are also some unfortunate consequences of distorted body image from weight as well as other factors.

Eating disorders and other mental issues are usually shrouded in secrecy. Therefore, it is important for suffering kids to feel comfortable reaching out for assistance. Parents and teachers should be vigilant in looking out for the following signs:

• Constantly viewing themselves in mirrors

• Making disparaging comments about their body

• Comparing their bodies or facial features to other people

• Prolonged exercising despite fatigue

• A great level of concern about weight or acne

• Unusual patterns when handling food

• Lack of participation in certain activities because of the way they feel about their bodies.

Recognising these symptoms is the first step in getting help. Both parents and educators must be proactive in addressing the issues of body image instead of merely brushing it off as “part of growing up”.

The effect of social media

Social media has taken over the lives of most teenagers and young adults. They have become obsessed with image, and not only body image. I believe it has reached such a critical point that it is vital that teachers, and not only guidance counsellors, pay special attention to this issue.

Teens use social media to post filtered and edited photos in an effort to appear at their “best”. Then, they compare themselves with other heavily edited pictures. They measure their body image based on the comments or number of likes that they receive. Unfavourable comments can have detrimental effects on young people.

Scholastic performance

Studies have shown that adolescents associate physical appearance most to their self- esteem and self-worth. Dissatisfaction with oneself eventually leads to poor academic behaviour, poor grades, school absenteeism and even dropping out of school.

Even though self-esteem cannot be seen or touched, it is always hovering. Self-esteem affects students’ motivation to succeed. Motivation promotes academic success.

Bullying at school can be a further source of suffering to those students wavering on the brink of low self-esteem. Students who are cruel to others by teasing about some physical attribute, will cause further decrease in those students’ self-esteem and negative body image leading to poor academic performance.

Role of Parents

Usually the first reason kids develop a negative self- image is when their parents criticise their physical features. The parents’ attitudes towards their own bodies are also strongly correlated to their children’s self-image.

Parents, especially mothers, who are overly concerned with their weight, also send negative messages to their daughters, in particular. Fathers tend to influence their sons more than daughters in terms of the desire to be bigger and muscular.

Parents must realise that they cannot impart their own unrealistic expectations onto their children. They must model healthy eating habits. Parents should look out for clues that their children may be struggling with body image issues and talk to them to give their approval.

Role of Schools

Educators need to play a key role in detecting and treating the problem of negative body image. Teachers ought to be trained in detection as well as counselling; the job cannot be left to the guidance counsellor alone. The school community must also address all incidents of bullying.

Among the things schools can do to raise awareness of the problems associated with a distorted body image are: arranging workshops or lectures on a regular basis to give students the opportunity to understand how media may be influencing their negative perception of themselves, and talking to people who have recovered from eating disorders and encouraging them to share their experiences.

Teachers themselves must be very careful of the words they use when speaking to their students. It is never okay to be disparaging. If you are correcting a student, be sure your words are kind, but firm. Do not try to shame your students. Provide a supportive environment in which your students feel loved and appreciated.

Dr Karla Hylton is a graduate of the biotechnology programme at the University of the West Indies. She operates Bio and Chem Tutoring, a Kingston-based teaching programme which specialises in secondary level biology and chemistry. Reach her at 404.4506, biochemtutor100@gmail.com, or www.khylton.com