New research: Thousands of calls made to Childline over body image concerns
New research by the NSPCC has found 3,421 counselling sessions were delivered where the main concern was eating/body image disorders
New research by NSPCC has found 3,421 counselling sessions were delivered where the main concern was eating/body image disorders.
One 17-year-old girl from Wales told the service: “I’ve gained a bit of weight recently and have stretch marks for the first time ever. I checked and I’m still technically a healthy weight, so how come I have stretch marks? With these on me I feel so ugly and unattractive”
Another teenage girl said, “I know I have issues with eating, but I can’t get anyone to take me seriously. It’s like you can’t get help unless you’re already underweight and ill from it. I don’t want it to get that far”.
NSPCC's advice for parents:
Now, the charity is advising parents to have more body positive talks in the home.
NSPCC Cymru says: "Be mindful of how you speak about your own body and others' bodies in front of your children.
"Avoid negative comments about weight, appearance, or comparing yourself to others, as children often copy what they hear.
"Focus conversations on health and wellbeing, not appearance: When discussing food and exercise, emphasise feeling strong, energetic, and healthy rather than looking a certain way. Celebrate what bodies can do rather than just how they look."
Almost 1,000 counselling sessions delivered where a young person mentioned body image issues:
The charity's statistics from 2024/25 shows Childline delivered almost 1,000 counselling sessions where a young person mentioned body image issues.
Over 970 counselling sessions were also delivered where a young person mentioned calorie and/or food restriction.
Social media:
Carl Harris, the Assistant Director of NSPCC Cymru, believes a rise of social media usage in young people could be behind the increase.
"I think it's certainly a part of it and probably an increasing part or contributing factor here.
"As we know, some children and young people spend considerable time online, I'd say all children and young people, more or less, spend some kind of time online.
"Our advice is to remind children and young people that, all that they see online is not necessarily real.
"It social media creates a standard, for which young people aspire to and and want to achieve. But remember, of course, the social media isn't real life".
Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on www.childline.org.uk