The reasons behind why children are so concerned about body image

Why are children so concerned about body image?? read on and find out Abigails views and click on the title to find out more. The reason i chose this article is because it shows how easily messeges are trasmitted into childrens heads and how little comments could effect them, so imagine how many effects advertising has on these children.

''- From his viewing chair, a father criticizes a television personality for how fat she looks in her evening gown.
- A brother speaks disparagingly about his girlfriend’s hip size, claiming she needs a “license for the wide-load.”
- The father of a 5 year old tells her jokingly that she will develop a “Buddha belly” if she puts butter on her bread.
- A child states that more important than getting A’s in school is being accepted by the “popular group.” Her parents make no comment.

The vulnerable child is quick to take in and personalize what are otherwise meant to be benign “throw away” comments. Harmful messages get transmitted to children unintentionally, and may result in body image disturbances. As early as the first grade, children are reporting concerns and preoccupation with weight and body shape and begin to restrict food. Camp counselors report 6 and 7 year olds studying nutritional labels on food items as they empty their lunch sacks. A U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services task force reports that 80% of girls in grades 3 - 6 have bad feelings about their bodies, an issue diverting attention from schoolwork and friendships. Preteen boys as well, inspired by the world of sports and television, fret about the inadequacy of their builds, believing that the strength in their muscles or the girth in their chests is more important than intelligence, compassion or emotional well-being.

Believing that outward appearance is a reflection of inner quality, children with body image concerns develop a sense of who they are (physically and emotionally) and how they should behave by internalizing messages about themselves from others. Children lacking self-esteem and who seek acceptance and approval are particularly sensitive and susceptible to the perceptions of parents, family, peers and the media. Body image concerns may be precursors to eating disorders. Even when they do not lead to clinical disease, however, they deserve attention so the child can learn to enjoy a healthful relationship with food.''