Insights from Dr. Katelyn Anderson, a licensed pediatric psychologist at Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County (Rady Children’s)
Key takeaways
- Model and encourage positive body talk: Kids absorb how adults speak about food, weight, and appearance. Using neutral, supportive language helps them build a healthier self‑image and resilience against unrealistic beauty standards.
- Watch for early warning signs: Frequent negative self‑talk, excessive outfit changes, appearance fixation, or reduced interest in daily activities can signal growing body image concerns that may need attention.
- Shift focus to health, strength, and function: Promote an “all foods fit” mindset, joyful movement, and appreciation for what the body can do—and seek professional support if body dissatisfaction leads to avoidance, behavior changes, or restrictive habits.
Understanding body image pressures facing children and teens today
Body image concerns have become increasingly common among children and adolescents, especially in the last decade. With the rise of social media, kids see unrealistic beauty standards every day. The pandemic has also added to this pressure. Now, children feel more pressure than ever to meet ideals that are often impossible to reach.
Dr. Katelyn Anderson, a licensed pediatric psychologist with Rady Children’s Hospital, specializes in eating disorders and body image concerns. She recently shared tips on how parents can spot early warning signs. She also discussed how to promote body positivity at home and when to seek professional help.
The impact of social media
Dr. Anderson has seen firsthand the rise in depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among young people. “Unfortunately, we have seen these rates increase, I would say since the pandemic, but also really in the past decade or so.”
Social media, she explained, plays a major role. “Social media really threatens body positivity because there’s so much reinforcement of this idea that certain body types and beauty standards are more valuable than others.” Unlike past generations who encountered idealized images mostly in magazines or television, today’s youth face constant comparisons—to friends, celebrities, influencers, and even filtered versions of themselves.
Warning signs of body image issues
Parents often wonder how to tell if their child is struggling with body image. According to Dr. Anderson, several red flags may signal trouble:
- Frequent negative self-talk about appearance
- Repeated outfit changes or difficulty getting out the door
- Excessive time spent perfecting their appearance
- A noticeable drop in enjoyment of daily activities
“Hearing more of that negative self-talk are some good, important signs for parents to flag in their minds,” she explains.
The parent’s role
Parents’ words and actions have a powerful influence on how kids perceive their own bodies. That’s why Dr. Anderson encourages caregivers to reflect on their own relationship with food, exercise, and self-image. “Caregivers doing a bit of self-reflection and examination around their own relationship with their bodies and with food is a really good starting place,” she encourages.
Seemingly casual comments like “I had such a cheat day yesterday” or “I shouldn’t be eating this” can reinforce harmful patterns in children. Instead, parents should strive to model neutral or positive language around food and appearance. “Our influence really can’t be overstated on our kiddos,” Dr. Anderson emphasizes.
Creating a positive home environment
Changing family talks from dieting and body shape to strength, health, and what the body can do is a strong way to build resilience. Dr. Anderson suggests using an “all foods fit” approach. This means keeping food neutral and focusing on nourishment instead of restriction.
Equally important is encouraging movement in a way that emphasizes joy and function rather than appearance. Activities like family bike rides, walks, or dance nights help children focus on what their bodies can do. “It might not be ‘I love my legs today,’ but maybe it’s, ‘My legs helped me get all the way on my bike to the park,’” Dr. Anderson notes.
When to seek help
While body dissatisfaction is common, persistent or extreme patterns may indicate the need for professional evaluation. Warning signs include avoiding social activities, refusing to wear certain clothes, or significant changes in eating and exercise behaviors.
If families have concerns about extreme weight loss or changing behaviors for appearance, they should reach out for help. Pediatricians can be an excellent first step, as many now routinely screen for mental health and eating concerns.
Helping kids appreciate their bodies
The goal is not only to protect children from harmful messages. It is also to give them positive ones.
“We really want to help kids hold this belief that their body is valuable and it is beautiful regardless of how it stacks up against the societal standard,” Dr. Anderson advises. Parents can encourage affirmations like “I am strong, capable, and beautiful” and introduce age-appropriate books or resources that celebrate body diversity.
By modeling healthy behaviors, speaking thoughtfully about food and appearance, and creating space for open conversations, families can foster resilience and help children build a stronger, healthier relationship with their bodies.
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