Influencers & Body Image
Key Takeaway:
Influencers aren’t going anywhere—but your teen doesn’t have to compare themselves to curated, filtered, AI-generated, or sponsored content. Conversations that build critical thinking, self-trust, and body neutrality can deeply support your teen’s mental health.
Why This Matters
Today’s teens are growing up in a culture where influencers feel like friends, ads look like advice, and “effortlessly perfect” bodies are never more than a swipe away. Without guidance, it’s easy for them to believe that what they see online is real, achievable, or required.
You don’t have to scare your teen off social media—you just need to help them navigate it with a grounded, confident lens. Keep in mind that they will probably roll their eyes, and at the moment they may not like these questions. But one day, they will see the value in these lessons.
1. Start with curiosity, not criticism
Instead of shutting down their interests, start with open-ended questions. Teens open up when they feel respected—not judged.
Try asking:
- Who are your favourite creators?
- What do you like about them?
- How do you feel after watching their content?
2. Pull back the curtain on the influencer industry
Explain that influencers are businesses, and their content is crafted strategically. Photos and videos are often edited, filtered, or staged. Brand deals shape what influencers post, and even authentic creators don’t show every part of their lives.
3. Normalize body changes and media literacy
Your teen’s body is changing quickly. Help them understand that comparison is normal—but not useful. Reinforce that:
1. Bodies look different in every light, angle, or stage of life.
2. Health and beauty are not the same thing.
3. They are not supposed to look like someone whose job is to stay camera-ready.
4. Build “Pause & Check” habits
Teach teens to notice how content affects them. Ask them to check:
- Is this content edited or filtered?
- Is this person being paid to look like this?
- How does this make me feel?
- Does this account add something good to my day?
5. Model the self-talk you want them to learn
Your teen hears how you talk about your own body. Try to avoid negative statements and instead model compassionate self-talk:
- "My body works hard for me."
- "I don’t have to look perfect to be confident."
BONUS TIP: Talk About Filters, Editing, and AI
Much of what teens see online is heavily edited—or not real at all. Between beauty filters, subtle edits, and AI-generated faces and bodies, it’s easy to compare themselves to impossible standards.
Help them understand:
- Filters can change bone structure, smooth skin, and reshape features.
- AI-generated faces are statistically "perfect" but biologically impossible.
- Many photos are subtly edited—brightened, slimmed, or retouched.
- Algorithms reward "perfect" images, which pressures creators to edit.
You can say: "A lot of what you see online isn’t a real human body—it’s filters, lighting, editing, or AI. No one looks like that naturally. Not even the person in the picture."
What to Say If Your Teen Is Struggling
"You don’t have to look like anyone else to be worthy. I’m here to help you through this, and we can figure it out together."
Resource for Parents
Common Sense Media – How is body image affected by social media and going online?
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/how-is-body-image-affected-by-social-media-and-going-online
More Support
Need personalized help having these conversations at home? Book a parent coaching session with Auntie Julia. Together we’ll build your confidence and communication skills.
