Girls Self-Esteem and the Media

United States
February 28, 2009 4:51pm CST
I'm not by any means discounting the effects of the media on a boys self-esteem, as it does exist but I want to focus primarily on the effects of the media on girls self-esteem. It seems that our current trend of anorexic models and actresses on shows, and in magazines is putting forth such an image that may be causing girls to have lower self-esteems and unhealthy development of self-esteem. I'm not sure what the solution needs to be, but I think we need to do something to promote a healthier more positive image for our young women today. Personally, I think perhaps there needs to be a limit during children's viewing time of those commercials which promote an unhealthy body type. I know that sounds harsh, but I know they have limits during Saturday cartoons for over-promotion of children's toys so why not this? Perhaps we need a reality check on just what is healthy as well. I recently heard that a popular girls magazine was now calling anything above a size 12, plus size. When I was a teen being a size 12 was normal. What are your thoughts? Can we do something? Should something be done? What would that new plan look like? How do we as parents promote healthy self-esteem?
3 responses
• United States
19 Mar 09
Wow, I completely agree with you. This is something that has always bothered me. I am 25 years old and I still find myself feeling inadequate when I watch television. I am overweight, but I shouldn't be made to feel like I'm not a legitimate, prized, worthy female because of it. While obesity shouldn't be condoned, a little extra weight doesn't have to deem someone inadequate. I agree especially on the whole Jessica Simpson issue. She looks FINE. I would be happy to be her size and they are calling her FAT?? Wow, then what am I?! And then society wonders what is wrong with all the little girls who barf everytime they eat. Seriously, what is wrong with having a couple normal people in a cast on a show? I'm sure they could be just as endearing as someone who looks like a toothpick! I think it's sad that our society applauds looks and bodies rather than minds and character. It can be so damaging to young girls, and can really deter their priorities and self-image for the rest of their lives.
• United States
22 Mar 09
Thank you for such a thoughtful response. I so agree with you. I'm a bit overweight but I think I look really good for my size and I'm comfortable with it. I think it would be nice to see average size women on shows. I'm tired of watching women with size 18 inch waists parade around to be honest. Namaste-Anora
• United States
1 Mar 09
Anora_Eldorath it is sad that our young girls have to feel so much pressure to be so perfect and thin. You are right even today the average size is 10-12 and that's not fat. It is important for us as parents and mentors even to others to help build up our girls self-esteem, we first must have a healthy esteem and confidence ourselves what does that look like or consist of ~~ well feeling good about ourselves and being comfortable in our own skin and not allowing the whims of society dictate who we should be or look like to start.
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Mar 09
Thank you for responding. I couldn't agree more. It is up to us as parents to instill that self-esteem because no one else will. Namaste-Anora
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
1 Mar 09
I have a young daughter and I think about this very issue all the time. She's only seven and I have already heard her say she didn't like herself. When I hear that I usually work on changing her mind. The other night she was feeling down on herself and I opened some photos of her and said to her, “Would you honestly say that the girl in this picture is not pretty? She took a good look and said, "No mummy that girl is pretty" I replied to her, "That is you sweetheart" She went away happy muttering to herself how pretty she was. I worry that one day there will be no changing of her views. We praise her often and she has no reason to have a low self esteem but as you mention she is bombarded by pictures of "perfect" looking models on TV and in magazines. I have taught her about airbrushed pictures and the importance of inner beauty and I hope and pray she won't succumb to poor body image issues as she grows older!
• United States
1 Mar 09
My oldest daughter has also struggled with it. Just last year she told me she had to lose some weight, and my thought was "What weight". It's just sad that our daughters have to be inidated with such things. Thanks for your response. Anora