Talking About Body Image and Online Content

Children and young people are growing up in a digital world where images, videos and messages about appearance are constant. Social media, influencers, filters and algorithms can shape what they see, and how they feel about themselves.

Online content often promotes unrealistic or edited versions of bodies. This can lead young people to compare themselves, feel pressure to look a certain way, or believe their worth is tied to appearance.

What to know

Body image is shaped by what children see, hear and experience both offline and online. Digital spaces can amplify this, with constant exposure to images, videos and messages about appearance.

Much of the content young people see online is edited, filtered or curated. Children don’t always recognise when content has been altered or staged and they may assume what they see is normal or achievable, especially if it’s shared by influencers or peers. This can create unrealistic expectations about how bodies “should” look and lead to comparison and over time this may affect how they feel about themselves and their confidence.

Online feedback also plays a role. Likes, comments and shares can make appearance feel more important, while negative comments or body shaming can have a strong emotional impact.

At the same time, online spaces can be positive. Young people can find communities that celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes and promote body confidence. With the right support, they can learn to question what they see and make choices that support their wellbeing.

Helping your child understand how online content works, and how it can influence thoughts and feelings, is an important step in building a healthy relationship with their body and their online world.

Top tips for talking about it

Start early and keep it going

Make body image part of everyday conversations, not just when something goes wrong. Short, regular chats help your child feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.

You might say:

“I saw something online about filters today, have you noticed those?”
“What kinds of posts do you usually see about people’s bodies?”
“Do you and your friends ever talk about how people look online?”

Keeping the conversation ongoing helps your child feel safe to talk and less likely to keep things to themselves.

Be curious, not critical

Ask open questions and listen without judgement and try to understand how your child is interpreting what they see online, rather than correcting them straight away.

You might say:

“What do you think about that post?”
“Why do you think people share things like that?”
“What stands out to you about that image or video?”

Showing curiosity helps your child feel heard and more willing to open up.

Focus on feelings, not just content

Instead of only talking about what they’re seeing, explore how it makes them feel. This helps build self-awareness and emotional understanding.

You might say:

“How did that make you feel about yourself?”
“Do you ever feel pressure when you see things like that?”
“What kinds of posts make you feel good?”

Focusing on feelings helps your child recognise and manage the impact of what they see online.

Keep the conversation balanced

Acknowledge that social media can be fun and creative, while also talking about its pressures. This helps your child feel heard and avoids making them defensive.

You might say:

“What do you enjoy about that app?”
“Is there anything about it that feels a bit too much sometimes?”
“Do you think there’s pressure to look a certain way on there?”

A balanced approach makes it easier for your child to engage honestly.

Model positive behaviour

Be mindful of how you talk about your own body and others. Children notice these messages and often mirror them.

You might say:

“I’m trying to focus on what my body can do, not just how it looks.”
“Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and that’s a good thing.”
“I don’t always love how I look, but I’m learning to be kinder to myself.”

Positive modelling helps your child build a healthier way of thinking about bodies.

Empower them to make choices

Support your child to unfollow, mute or avoid content that makes them feel bad. Help them see they have some control over their online experience.

You might say:

“If something doesn’t make you feel good, it’s okay to unfollow it.”
“What kinds of accounts make you feel happy or confident?”
“Do you want help changing what shows up in your feed?”

Feeling in control helps your child create a more positive online environment.

Reassure them that bodies change

Remind your child that growing bodies change over time, and that differences are normal. This can help reduce pressure to meet unrealistic standards.

You might say:

“Everyone’s body grows and changes differently.”
“What you see online isn’t always what people look like in real life.”
“There’s no one ‘right’ way to look.”

Reassurance helps your child feel more confident and less pressured to compare themselves to others.

Bonus Conversation Starters

These questions don’t need to be asked all at once. One small conversation at a time can help build trust and emotional awareness over time.

“What kind of posts do you like seeing online at the moment?”
“Have you ever seen something online that made you feel unsure about how you look?”
“Do you think people edit their photos? How can you tell?”
“How do you feel after spending time on that app or account?”
“What do you think makes someone confident, besides how they look?”
“If something online makes you feel bad about yourself, what do you think you could do?”
“Do your friends ever talk about how they look online?”
“What would you say to a friend who was feeling worried about their body?”

If you're concerned...

It’s normal for children and young people to think about how they look, especially as they grow and develop. But if worries about their appearance start to affect their mood, confidence or daily life, it may be time to offer extra support.

You might notice changes such as:

Avoiding photos, mirrors or social situations
Frequently comparing themselves to others online
Negative self-talk about their body or appearance
Becoming more focused on food, dieting or exercise
Withdrawing from friends, activities or things they usually enjoy
Spending more time engaging with appearance-focused content

If you’re concerned, start with a calm and supportive conversation. Let your child know you’ve noticed something and that you’re there to listen.

You might say:

“I’ve noticed you don’t seem as confident lately, do you want to talk about it?”
“It seems like something’s been bothering you. I’m here if you want to share.”
“You don’t have to deal with this on your own, I’m here to help.”

Try to avoid minimising their feelings or rushing to “fix” the problem. Listening and validating their experience can make a big difference. If concerns continue, consider seeking additional support. This might include talking to a GP, counsellor or another trusted professional.

Getting support early can help your child build confidence, develop healthy coping strategies and feel more secure in themselves.

You don’t need to know everything about your child’s online friendships to support them. Staying curious, open, and connected helps them build positive relationships and navigate their social world with confidence.