Empowering girls to face body image and social media pressures
by Lorri Jensen, Senior Product Manager - Behavior Portfolio at Pearson
Growing up in today’s digital era can be a pressure cooker for all kids, but it can be a particular strain for girls as they navigate societal expectations, media influences and peer dynamics — all under the relentless glare of the social media spotlight. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat can often promote unrealistic beauty standards, and the barrage of messages can negatively impact girls’ sense of self-worth and identity.
While advertising and social media can have a seemingly 24/7 presence, educators can create a safe place within their school community to help counteract these potentially harmful inputs and to support all students in feeling comfortable with being their authentic selves.
Understanding social media’s impact on body image
Social media presents a continuous stream of curated content that can shift perceptions of what’s “normal,” leading to unfavorable comparisons and body dissatisfaction.
As our youth increasingly spend time mindlessly scrolling on their phones, they are exposed to hundreds of images, videos and posts every single day — not just from peers but celebrities and influencers too. Their increased prominence can shape young girls’ perceptions of beauty and success, often promoting a potentially unattainable look or lifestyle. These idealized images can affect self-esteem and make it easy to lose sight of what’s normal.
In addition, the constant desire among tweens and teens to document their life can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress, foster unhealthy comparisons and detract from the ability to fully enjoy moments.
Evolving needs, from childhood to adolescence
It seems that no age is too young to become an “influencer.” For example, much to my surprise, my friend told me her adorable two year old is a “brand ambassador” for a clothing line.
As educators, I know we’ll increasingly be dealing with the effects of social media and influencers at younger stages and ages. Already we see factors shaping their perceptions of beauty and self-worth — just look at our “Generation Alpha” students who are increasingly seeking high-end or trendy products to fit in. Their early obsession with skincare has earned them the nickname “Sephora Kids.”
These realities are why it’s more important than ever for children to receive positive attention from their caregivers. It’s so easy to just take over and do a task — like buckling them into their booster seat — but that can be an opportunity where they can feel successful in their ability to do the task. I encourage educators to remind families of this every chance they get, such as during parent/teacher conferences. Often caregivers don’t realize how important it is to help kids build confidence by underscoring their self-competence.
As kids head to middle and high school, the minefields of peer pressure and social dynamics intensify, with social media amplifying the age-old desire to fit in or meet certain standards.
6 strategies to foster a supportive school environment
The good news is that a positive and inclusive culture at home and in school can be transformational. It can impart a sense of belonging and connection that may help inoculate kids and teens against some of the negative impacts of social media.
Here are six simple but effective ideas you could explore at your school to help empower all students — including girls.
- Create a climate of kindness and support to counteract negativity and bullying.
In many schools, we tend to acknowledge kids for their academic prowess or athletic skills, but we don't always do a great job of praising kiddos for displaying core values like kindness. Our school gives out a “peach award“ to someone who’s been a “peach” to their fellow classmates. They get so excited to get the award and the prize is literally a can of peaches, proving that these types of programs don’t have to be anything big or expensive.
- Celebrate diversity within the school community.
Embracing diversity is another way to be “kind.” Unfortunately, bullying often arises when we don’t understand other people’s individuality. We need to remember that diversity comes in many different forms. For example, my school has a special education immersion program, where students with special needs learn and work alongside their peers in the general education space as buddies for the week. It fosters inclusion and compassion by creating an understanding for people who aren't like them.
- Include social-emotional learning (SEL) in daily lessons.
A wide body of research points to SEL as a powerful way to help kids recognize and manage emotions, develop self-awareness and cultivate positive relationships. By finding ways to incorporate SEL activities into the classroom, you can nurture confidence and self-esteem in students. There are four examples of how to do this here!
- Promote body positivity.
Today’s culture is far more celebratory of bodies that come in all shapes and sizes than that of yesteryear. However, old habits die hard; even as adults, we may find ourselves instinctively participating in negative self talk. Yet, it’s imperative for educators and caregivers to model self-acceptance and kindness to ourselves in order to provide a healthy example to kids and teens. In addition, anytime there is a conversation related to physical health, we can double-check that we’re focused on healthy habits — for example, discussing exercising and getting proper nutrition and adequate sleep instead of weight or diet.
- Promote media literacy.
Few of us are immune to a quick flash of envy at seeing an acquaintance’s “highlight reel” on social media. As educators, we can help students critically evaluate content and recognize that we only see what someone wants us to see — whether it’s a classmate or influencer. One fun exercise you can leverage in the classroom is taking some candid pictures around the classroom and then touching them up with an AI filter or other editing software. Showing the difference between an unremarkable “before” and a glitzy “after” picture can help drive home the nature of what students may encounter online.
- Build bridges with caregivers.
I can’t emphasize enough the power of maintaining open lines of communication so that students see that the school is partnering with their families for safe and healthy development. In fact, your input is likely welcome, given that a Pew Research Center study found 45% of parents said they have turned to teachers for advice or information about screen time. It’s most definitely top of mind, with a C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health finding that parent’s top three concerns involve screens and online activity, with anxiety and bullying right behind.
While we can’t necessarily control the devices in their lives, we can monitor the amount of time they're permitted to be on them. There’s great precedent for the beneficial effects: A study posted on JAMA Network found enhanced positive social interactions among youth who had reduced screen use, and another study published by the American Psychological Association found teens and young adults who decreased their time on social media by 50% boosted their confidence related to their appearance in just one month.
Your role in empowering girls living in a digital world
I encourage all educators to help build healthy relationships outside of the classroom to show students they’re being seen — whether it’s a hallway conversation about their weekend plans or asking them what they’re reading in the library. Today’s students need to be surrounded by adults who will celebrate their authenticity, inside and outside the classroom.
For more useful resources, visit Pearson’s Mental Health Resource Center or our Behavior Managment resources. We also offer SEL training workshops for schools looking to implement an SEL framework within their campus or district.