INTRODUCTION
What is adolescence?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood, from ages 10 to 19. Children entering adolescence go through many changes in their bodies and brains. These include physical, intellectual, psychological and social challenges, as well as development of their own moral compass. The changes are rapid and often take place at different rates. It can be an exciting yet challenging time in the life of a teenager. Adolescence is the time when your child becomes more independent and begins to explore their identity.
Despite being thought of as a healthy stage of life, there is significant death, illness and injury in the adolescent years. Much of this is preventable or treatable. During this phase, adolescents establish patterns of behaviors – for instance, related to diet, physical activity, substance use, and sexual activity – that can protect their health and the health of others around them, or put their health at risk now and in the future.
To grow and develop in good health, adolescents need information, including age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education; opportunities to develop life skills; health services that are acceptable, equitable, appropriate and effective; and safe and supportive environments. They also need opportunities to meaningfully participate in the design and delivery of interventions to improve and maintain their health. Expanding such opportunities is key to responding to adolescents’ specific needs and rights.
Healthy Relationships in Adolescence
During adolescence, young people learn how to form safe and healthy relationships with friends, parents, caregivers, teachers, and romantic partners. Adolescents often try on different identities and roles, and all of these relationships contribute to their identity formation. Peers play a particularly big role in creating an identity during adolescence. However, relationships with caring adults, including parents or caregivers, mentors, or coaches are the building blocks for all other relationships, providing examples for how a young person handles them.
Broadly, healthy relationships are ones where adolescents can safely feel and express respect for themselves and others. This comes from mutual trust, honesty, good communication, being understanding and calm during arguments, and consent. Unhealthy relationships, by contrast, usually have a power imbalance for example there is no consent, mutual trust, compromise, or honesty. One or both people in the relationship may have trouble communicating and controlling their anger. Some unhealthy relationships become physically, emotionally, or sexually violent.
Relationships with Parents and Caregivers
The relationship between children and their parents or caregivers (such as guardians, aunts and uncles, or grandparents) is one of the most important relationships in a child’s life, often lasting well into adulthood. In adolescence, this relationship changes dramatically as youth seek increased independence from their families and begin to make their own decisions. With increased independence comes the possibility of increased risk, both positive and negative, and teens need parents or caregivers to help them navigate the challenges that adolescence presents. Though some amount of conflict between adolescents and their parents is normal, adolescents still rely on parents or caregivers to provide emotional support and set limits. Both emotional support and setting limits are linked to positive adolescent development and parent-child closeness.
Although teens have increasing independence from their families, parents and caregivers still play a large and vital role in their lives. Parents and caregivers help shape adolescents’ self- control, plans for their future, moral and social values, and their broader world view. As children grow, parenting shifts from making decisions for the younger child to helping older children and adolescents make decisions on their own, while minimizing the chance that they engage in high-risk behavior. Research shows that parents continue to have more influence than peers on many important outcomes, including whether adolescents smoke, use alcohol or other drugs, or have sexual intercourse.
Adolescents need support from parents, guardians, and teachers for emotional security, guidance in decision-making, academic success, and developing social and emotional skills, as this vulnerable stage involves significant physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. These adults provide crucial social support, influence future plans, help manage risks, and foster qualities like self-esteem and motivation, ultimately preparing them for successful adulthood.
1. Emotional and Social Development
- Emotional security: Supportive and respectful relationships provide a secure base during a time of heightened stress and emotional flux.
- Social and emotional skills: Parents and teachers help adolescents develop critical social-emotional learning (SEL) skills such as self-awareness, self-confidence, building healthy relationships, and making responsible decisions.
- Self-esteem and motivation: Adult support is linked to higher levels of self-esteem and motivation, which are essential for tackling challenges.
2. Academic and Future Success
- Academic achievement: Parental involvement and support are strongly correlated with higher grades, better school engagement, and higher graduation rates.
- Guidance on future planning: Parents and caregivers help shape adolescents’ plans for the future, guiding them towards their goals.
- Development of responsible behaviors: With support, adolescents are better equipped to make responsible choices and minimize engagement in high-risk behaviors.
3. Risk Reduction
- Minimizing risky behaviors: Parental and guardian support helps protect adolescents from early initiation of problem behaviors like drug use or early sexual activity.
- Coping with stressors: Adults act as a crucial source of social support to help adolescents cope with stressors they encounter.
The Impact of Social Media on Self-esteem and Body Image
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. While it enables us to connect, share, and learn, there’s a darker side to this virtual realm. The pervasive influence of social media has a profound effect on our psychological well-being and the way we perceive ourselves, particularly in terms of self-esteem and body image.
Below, we will explore the illusions that social media perpetuates, its positive and negative impacts, and ways to cultivate a healthy relationship with the digital world.
Illusion of perfection
Social media platforms are curated galleries of seemingly perfect lives. Filters, editing tools, and carefully chosen posts create an illusion of flawless beauty and unattainable lifestyles. This curated perfection often leads to unrealistic comparisons with our own lives, and detrimental self-evaluation.
How social media can affect body image
Positive effects
1. Body positive content and communities
Fortunately, there is a growing movement of body positivity on social media. Various communities and influencers such as Megan Jayne Crabbe and Sarah Nicole Landry are well-known on Instagram for promoting self-love and acceptance, encouraging their followers to embrace their unique bodies and appearances.
2. Health and fitness inspiration
Social media platforms serve as hubs for health and fitness inspiration. Users share their fitness journeys, workout routines, and healthy recipes, motivating others to adopt positive lifestyle changes while offering encouragement and support. These platforms can provide valuable advice for those who are seeking ways to work on their bodies in a healthy way.
3. Support group
Social media provides a platform for people facing body image issues to connect and support each other. Online support groups create a sense of community, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles. These digital spaces serve as sanctuaries where people can openly discuss their concerns, fears, and triumphs related to body image.
Negative effects
1. Constant comparison
One of the most significant drawbacks of social media is the tendency to constantly compare ourselves with others, particularly among young women. Scrolling through feeds filled with seemingly perfect individuals can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Research indicates that women frequently assess their own appearance through comparisons with others, and the more they engage in such comparisons, the more likely they are dissatisfied with their bodies. Apart from its influence on body dissatisfaction, exposure to Facebook may also have the potential to affect people’s moods.
2. Unrealistic beauty standards
Social media often promotes unrealistic beauty standards, emphasizing certain body types, skin tones, and features. Constant exposure to these ideals can distort one’s perception of their own body, leading to body dissatisfaction and even body dysmorphia. Studies have consistently linked the use of social networking sites to issues related to body image and disordered eating for both men and women.
3. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying refers to the act of using digital technologies to engage in bullying behaviors. This can occur on various online platforms such as social media, messaging apps, gaming sites, and mobile devices. It involves repetitive actions intended to intimidate, provoke anger, or embarrass the individuals being targeted (UNICEF,).
How to foster a healthy relationship with social media
1. Spending quality time with loved ones
Spending quality time with loved ones is essential to fostering a healthy relationship with social media. By dedicating time to connect with the people who matter most, we can not only strengthen our personal relationships but also create a natural balance in our lives.
2. Curate your social media feed for greater positivity
Unfollow accounts that trigger negative emotions or promote unrealistic beauty standards. Instead, follow accounts that promote body positivity, mental health, and self-care.
3. Practice self-compassion
Be kind and gentle with yourself. Remember that nobody is perfect, and imperfections are what make us unique and beautiful. Practicing self-compassion exercises helps to enhance your self-esteem.
4. Seek professional help
If your self-esteem and body image issues become overwhelming, consider seeking professional help. Trained professionals can provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate these challenges, develop healthier self-perception, and build a stronger sense of well-being.
Conclusion
While social media undeniably affects our self-esteem and body image, it is crucial to recognize its impact and actively work towards a healthier relationship with these platforms. By fostering self-compassion, curating our digital environment, and seeking support when needed, such as through individual or couple therapy, we can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and resilience. Remember, your worth is not determined by the likes or comments on your social media posts – true self-love comes from within.
