Showing 1 - 10 out of 12 results
“Can beauty ideals online harm my child?”
The issue of beauty ideals online and their impact on children and young people is complex. Research shows that exposure to beauty and body ideals on social media can lead to a poorer body image—to varying degrees. Research also shows that children (age 10-18) that spend a lot of time on social media tend to be more unhappy with their bodies and suffer from eating disorders to a greater extent than others in their age. In this short parental guide you can read more about the risks and get seven tips on how to talk to your child and give support.
Beauty craze on the internet: how can parents and caregivers protect their children
Unattainable beauty ideals are putting young people under increasing pressure. How can parents support their children in dealing with this?
Advices for parents:
How can parents and caregivers protect their children from the beauty craze on the internet?
Unattainable beauty ideals are putting young people under increasing pressure. How can parents support their children in dealing with this?
Safer Internet Day 2024 in Austria: Beauty ideals on the internet
The Austrian Safer Internet Centre focused on beauty ideals for Safer Internet Day 2024. They conducted a survey on "Beauty ideals on the internet". The survey shows that young people increasingly feel pressured by idealised body images on the internet. More than half of the young people questioned in the study would like to change something about their appearance, and more than a quarter have already considered cosmetic surgery. Social media and influencers have a major influence on how people judge themselves. However, young people also see opportunities to escape this pressure - at least theoretically.
New study about beauty ideals on the internet
To mark Safer Internet Day 2024, the Austrian Safer Internet Centre presented the results of a new youth study on "Beauty ideals on the internet". The study examines the effects of digital media use on young people's body-related self-image. To this end, 400 young people between 12 and 17 years old were questioned about their experiences, supplemented by four in-depth focus groups with 56 participating pupils. The results show that the pressure on young people to conform to unrealistic body images is high. At the same time, the important role of parents and other caregivers in dealing with beauty ideals becomes clear.
How to react to intimate pictures being shared in primary school class chats
Increasingly often, children and young people share intimate pictures of themselves in WhatsApp class groups. How can parents and schools deal with this?
Her Body, her choice: sexual self-determination of girls on the web
Since 2012, the United Nations International Day of the Girl has been celebrated on 11 October. The child rights organisation and Plan International co-initiated this day and set a focus topic every year with the Girls' Report. In 2023, the topic will be "Her Body, Her Choice", focusing on girls' physical and mental health concerning sexuality and reproduction. On World Girls' Day, klicksafe asks: What about girls' sexual self-determination on the internet?
Social networks have a negative impact on teenagers' self-esteem
During the COVID-19 pandemic, teenagers spent a lot of time on the internet, and especially on social networks. In doing so, they likely came across posts from peers, influencers, and complete strangers showing idealised images of their lives and bodies. Such posts can have a negative impact on teenagers and their self-esteem. The situation among young people has especially worsened during the pandemic, as noted by Slovenian Helpline Tom telefon and Slovenian Awareness Centre Safe.si.
Myth versus reality: the full picture
Social media is a fantastic way to connect and share with others. One of the great things about social media is we can decide what photos, posts, and videos we share, and as a result, many of us present an idealistic version of ourselves. It’s a great way of sharing parts of our lives – posting images and captions we want others to see. But we are less likely to share the parts we don’t want others to see, or possibly think they wouldn’t be interested in. While social media has many benefits, it can be a place where we feel pressure to live up to certain standards, or which can instil self-doubt when we see images or the lifestyles of others.
Online pressures – Filtering the good from the bad
Social media is a great place to connect with others, share parts of our lives, see into other people’s worlds, and it is a fantastic platform to raise awareness about important issues. However, it can add pressure by portraying an idealised version of normal life. Our newsfeeds often contain images of people looking great, wearing nice clothes, and doing exciting things – living their best lives.
