“We’ve seen the detrimental effects that bullying can have on an adolescent’s self esteem,” said Bobbie Arthur, L.C.S.W., family therapist at Eating Recovery Center. “However, parents can minimize the impact of teasing about body shape and size by helping adolescents respect themselves and build a strong sense of self worth.”
Arthur offers the following three tips to help parents mitigate the effects of body-focused bullying.
1. Broaden your idea of beauty and focus on the unique elements – not centered on appearance – that make your young adult special. Highlight your son’s creativity and intelligence. Applaud your daughter’s energy and enthusiasm. Sit down with your child to identify admirable people who do not necessarily have the “perfect” look or body.
2. Match your actions to your words. When helping an adolescent recover from body-focused bullying, a parent who has positive body beliefs will have far more credibility than one who consistently criticizes his or her own looks.
3. Remember that good intentions can sometimes be damaging. Seemingly harmless messages that come from the family can have a significant, long-term impact. Instead of joking about body shape and size, encouraging weight loss or criticizing food choices, model healthy and active behaviors and promote healthy choices.
“It is important to help your teen see every aspect of himself or herself and love the broad spectrum that is who they are,” said Arthur.
If a loved one’s focus on body image leads to signs of eating disorders (http://bit.ly/d29GbG), treatment may be necessary. Contact Eating Recovery Center for guidance related to eating disorder treatment options or for more information about eating disorders and insurance (http://bit.ly/dcohSC). Eating Recovery Center can also provide information about supporting a loved one with an eating disorder during food-focused holidays or occasions (http://bit.ly/cerQy5) or tips for avoiding eating disorders in college (http://bit.ly/a8Oohh).
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