While there is a lot more open discussion about body image with adolescent and teen girls who may be influenced by harmful content online about dieting, exercise, and nutrition, there are increasing indications that we should be having proactive conversations with boys on this topic as well. In a study released by ConnectSafely and TikTok:
👉 While over two-thirds (68%) of moms and half (50%) of dads feel very confident talking to their teens about body image, these conversations are mostly directed to their daughters (45%) versus their sons (28%).
👉 The top reasons moms gave for avoiding conversations around body image with their teens are their belief that their teens would not want them to talk about it and that the subject is covered sufficiently in school (42%). While dads cite their belief that their teens would not want them to talk about it (41%) and fear that they’d make matters worse (32%).
It’s time to pay more attention to how boys are feeling about their bodies and how all youth are responding to the “pressure to be perfect,” often based on comparing themselves to people they see online.