Helping Parents Navigate Key Challenges in the Adolescent Years

As children transition into adolescence, they experience rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. These years are filled with opportunities—but also challenges that can deeply affect a young person’s sense of self. Three interconnected issues often surface during this time: body image, bullying, and the need to belong.

Body Image and Body Shaming

Body image is how young people see their own bodies and how they believe others perceive them. With social media, advertising, and peer pressure pushing unrealistic ideals, many teenagers feel they don’t “measure up.”

Sadly, these insecurities are often reinforced by body shaming—the act of criticising someone based on their appearance. This can happen in person or online, and it can be subtle (like “joking” about someone’s weight or shape) or overt (such as mocking, name-calling, or spreading rumours). Even well-meaning comments can unintentionally shame teens about their bodies.

Why It Matters:
Body shaming can lead to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and long-lasting damage to self-esteem. It teaches young people to tie their worth to their appearance rather than their character, abilities, or values.

What Parents Can Do:

• Model body positivity by speaking kindly about your own body and others’.
• Avoid commenting on weight gain, weight loss, or appearance changes—especially in front of teens.
• Call out body shaming when you see or hear it, including on TV or social media.
• Emphasise qualities like kindness, effort, and creativity over looks.

Bullying in the Teen Years

Bullying often overlaps with body shaming, but it can also target race, gender identity, disability, social status, or other differences. It may be physical, verbal, emotional, or digital—and it can cause deep emotional wounds.

Victims of bullying may stop participating in activities they once loved, struggle with school, or become withdrawn. They may also hide their distress, fearing it will make things worse if they speak up.

What Parents Can Do:

• Keep the lines of communication open; ask open-ended questions about school and friendships.
• Watch for red flags like mood changes, sleep issues, or loss of interest in social events.
• Teach your child that everyone deserves respect, including themselves.
• Partner with school staff to address concerns swiftly and supportively.

Belonging: The Foundation of Well-Being

The need to belong is a powerful driver for teens. When they feel included, accepted, and supported, they are more likely to develop resilience, healthy relationships, and a strong sense of identity. When they feel excluded or judged, especially because of their appearance, it can lead to serious emotional distress.

What Parents Can Do:

• Encourage involvement in clubs, teams, or communities where your teen feels valued.
• Help them build friendships based on shared values, not popularity or looks.
• Remind them that their worth is not defined by fitting in but by being true to themselves.
• Let them know they have an unshakable place of acceptance and safety at home.

Let’s Work Together

At school and at home, we each play a role in helping young people navigate these critical years. By taking body shaming and bullying seriously and actively supporting inclusion and self-acceptance, we can help teens build confidence and emotional strength that lasts a lifetime.

If you're concerned about your child's well-being or want to learn more about what the school is doing to promote a culture of kindness and belonging, please reach out to your student’s Head of Year.

Together, we can make a difference.