In today’s society the average person is constantly being exposed to so many different types of media on a daily basis. The internet is one of the biggest venues of where mass media is published. With this high rate of exposure, it’s extremely important to know how to process messages from different types of media and advertisements. If the easily impressionable youth are constantly seeing the models and other beautiful people that are always being used in these ads, they may get the misconception that people actually look like that in real life. These misconceptions may lead to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, or even worse, the eventual development of an eating disorder. Instead of experiencing the hardships involved with these afflictions and going through the necessary treatments to overcome them, preventative measures should be put in place to inhibit body dissatisfaction and eating disorders all together.
Many articles and research suggest that one of the best ways to help prevent body dissatisfaction along with eating disorders is educational and school-based programs. Celio, Winzelberg, Wilfley, Eppstein-Herald, Springer, Dev, & Taylor (2000) took a look at multiple different programs that worked to significantly improve students’ body images and discourage disordered eating habits. One program is called Body Traps: Perspectives on Body Image, which is an in-classroom program. The other program that the article examined is called Student Bodies, which is a program that can be accessed through the internet. (http://www.towson.edu/counseling/self_help-studentbodies.asp) The article found the Student Bodies program to be preferred and more helpful then the in-classroom program. Another article by Zabinski, Pung, Wilfley, Eppstein, Winzelberg, Celio, & Taylor (2001), took a closer look at the Student Bodies program. With an online program, users can participate in the program completely confidentially and anonymously, as well as at their own pace. With taking part in these courses, participants will understand that not even the models in these advertisements look the way they do in their ads as they do in real life. The programs focus on both body image dissatisfaction and excessive dieting behaviors.
It’s extremely important for the parents and families of those who are experiencing or may experience low self-esteem or body dissatisfaction to be supportive in any way possible. In an article by Foster (2008), there are many different ideas and strategies given to insure that children and teenagers are better protected against possible online negativity. Some ideas include directing them to websites which improves self-esteem and encourages the growth of a positive body image. Another idea would be to keep the computer in a public area of the house, such as the kitchen or family room. This way, they can be easily monitored, and are less likely to visit controversial pages. One of the best things parents and families can do to help prevent low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction would be to spend time together! Spending time together is a good way to teach your children about possible risks, keep them informed about important issues, and provides a chance to compliment them about their appearance as well as their character!
Many articles and research suggest that one of the best ways to help prevent body dissatisfaction along with eating disorders is educational and school-based programs. Celio, Winzelberg, Wilfley, Eppstein-Herald, Springer, Dev, & Taylor (2000) took a look at multiple different programs that worked to significantly improve students’ body images and discourage disordered eating habits. One program is called Body Traps: Perspectives on Body Image, which is an in-classroom program. The other program that the article examined is called Student Bodies, which is a program that can be accessed through the internet. (http://www.towson.edu/counseling/self_help-studentbodies.asp) The article found the Student Bodies program to be preferred and more helpful then the in-classroom program. Another article by Zabinski, Pung, Wilfley, Eppstein, Winzelberg, Celio, & Taylor (2001), took a closer look at the Student Bodies program. With an online program, users can participate in the program completely confidentially and anonymously, as well as at their own pace. With taking part in these courses, participants will understand that not even the models in these advertisements look the way they do in their ads as they do in real life. The programs focus on both body image dissatisfaction and excessive dieting behaviors.
It’s extremely important for the parents and families of those who are experiencing or may experience low self-esteem or body dissatisfaction to be supportive in any way possible. In an article by Foster (2008), there are many different ideas and strategies given to insure that children and teenagers are better protected against possible online negativity. Some ideas include directing them to websites which improves self-esteem and encourages the growth of a positive body image. Another idea would be to keep the computer in a public area of the house, such as the kitchen or family room. This way, they can be easily monitored, and are less likely to visit controversial pages. One of the best things parents and families can do to help prevent low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction would be to spend time together! Spending time together is a good way to teach your children about possible risks, keep them informed about important issues, and provides a chance to compliment them about their appearance as well as their character!