Virtual Pressure

Virtual Pressure

And then there’s the Internet. A hub of endless information, the web is yet another way the message of having the “perfect” body is disseminated to kids and teens.

Often, it’s during the pre-teen years in junior high and early high school when kids discover just exactly how things work in cyberspace. All it takes is a few clicks of a mouse to be exposed to a world of negativity and cruel, insensitive judgement. Kids today not only hope for the acceptance of friends and family, but also hundreds of people on social media sites such as Instagram and snap chat.

“Peer pressure is magnified, because now anyone on the Internet can judge you or put on the peer pressure,” says Cerniglia.

In addition, there are websites devoted to pro-eating disorder stance. Such sites instruct teens on how to hide an eating disorder, as well as improve the effectiveness of dangerous habits related to bulimia, anorexia and other harmful tendencies.

“It isn’t safe for kids to have those kinds of eating patterns. You need to be able to eat healthy meals. Skipping meals and throwing up is really bad for your body,” says Barth.

Still, the question remains: Why do some teens feel the need to resort to such extreme measures? For those enamored by fame and fortune, the desire to resemble their favorite celebrity is enough to push them to such drastic actions.

“Many teens have eating disorders because their desire to look as thin as models and celebrities do on TV. Kids will usually try to do whatever it takes to look exactly like their idol,” says Barth.

All in all, the Internet and social media are major contributors to unrealistic portrayals of the human body for teenagers to look upon. Perfection is impossible, but the message teens are getting is that with major alterations to their bodies and lifestyles – oftentimes with devastating effects- it can be attainable.

“In other words, it can serve as a constant reminder of what they think they aren’t: perfect the way they are.”

MASK the Parenting Magazine a quarterly publication providing solutions for Today’s Families.

The parenting manual offering solutions to the modern-day challenges families face. From Pre-K

through College stay up to date on the modern day issues families face.

Are you up to date on the issues your child is facing?

MASK Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids offers parenting solutions for today’s families. MASK tackles important topics – from drugs and alcohol to bullying and Internet safety -and gives students, parents and the community the knowledge and tools to manage these potential challenges.

Subscribe today! https://www.maskmatters.org/product/mask-the-magazine/