Children as young as 3 are already worrying about their body image
Self image is a factor that many adults feel insecure about; however recent research shows that body image is also beginning to worry young children. PACEY conducted a study, with some shocking results. It was found that 33% of teachers and staff have heard a child refer to themselves as “fat.” This may indicate that very young children are picking up on the ‘body shaming’ culture that we currently find ourselves in.
Children learn best through watching, listening and imitating others; with this way of learning they may also pick up on and begin to copy adult ways of thinking or repeat phrases that they hear. The study also suggested that by the age of 3 or 4 years old, children have strong views on how their bodies should look. This could be influenced from the media and interactions that children have with the world around them.
Media such as TV, music and magazines can heavily influence adults into comparing their bodies against other people and using negative language about their own appearance. Children will often imitate this through play, with them thinking that it is acceptable and part of adult life to put yourself down. Social media is ever increasingly putting pressure on body image, with children who have access to such sites becoming younger and younger. This can have a detrimental affect on the self esteem and confidence of the next generation.
The results from the PACEY study also revealed that a number of four year olds are aware of some weight loss strategies, possibly picked up from advertisements or listening to adults. This is a worrying find, with children already looking at altering their appearance and their bodies through dieting or exercise at such a young age.
It is important that adults are aware of the impact that can be had on children’s perception of themselves. Children can pick up on comments made and visual stimulation that may cause them to think about the way they look and how others look too, building insecurities at a young age.