22/08/2016
When the media celebrates certain types of behaviors and appearances, it can leave a strong impression on kids, shaping their ideas of what will make them popular, attractive, and happy (or the opposite: unpopular, unattractive, and unhappy). How often are characters with larger body types, for example, portrayed in movies in romantic situations compared to thin characters? Kids may compare their own appearances to those of celebrities, models, animated TV characters, or toys -- body shapes that may be unrealistic or just plain unattainable. This kind of comparison can lead to body shame and low body esteem, which can lead to serious behaviours - Common Sense Media.
Body Dissatisfaction is increasing and occurring at younger ages. Attitude towards thinness and ideal body size are formed as early as age 3. By school age, girls fear looking fat MORE than losing their parents, getting cancer or a nuclear war (Cramer & Steinwert, 2008)
