In this info sheet
- It’s normal for teenagers to worry about their appearance.
- Puberty comes with many changes that affect how teens see their body and their looks.
- Teens are exposed to unrealistic beauty standards.
- Parents play an important role in helping teenagers love their body.
To better understand
Teens and their appearance
During adolescence, teenagers worry about their appearance and spend a lot of time comparing themselves to others. They are in the process of forming their identity and figuring out where they fit in. Their weight may be just one aspect of their appearance that they worry about.
Puberty
During puberty, teens experience many changes in their bodies:
- Growth spurt;
- Changes in body shape;
- Appearance of body hair;
- Changes in their skin and face.
Teens may experience different emotions related to these changes:
- Happiness;
- Embarrassment;
- Shame;
- Insecurity.
One thing is sure: Teenagers will start to see their body differently.
Beauty standards
On a daily basis, teens are exposed to certain beauty standards on TV and social media. This can cause them to compare themselves to media personalities and feel pressure to look like them. But these models aren’t realistic.
What is realistic is the fact that bodies come in all shapes and sizes. This is called body diversity.
Body image and teens in the Montérégie region
According to the 2022-2023 Québec Health Survey of High School Students, more than half of teens—56% of both girls and boys—do not like how they look.
That’s concerning!
A teen who is dissatisfied with their appearance may have lower self-esteem, and their mental health may suffer. That’s no joking matter!
Some teens may even adopt risky behaviours, especially if they’re trying to control their weight. For more information, see the fact sheet “Weight management methods: when should I start being concerned?”.
Be there for my teen
Practical resources and tools
1. For support :
If you are concerned about a situation, do not hesitate to reach out to a support worker or a healthcare professional:
Community organizations: family centre, youth centre, etc.
Some community organizations offer support programs for parents of teenagers. Call your local organization for information.
School staff members
2. For more information :
- Organisme ÉquiLibre (French only)
- Cette fiche a été rédigée en collaboration avec :
Geneviève Dumas, agente de relations humaines, Direction de la santé publique de la Montérégie, Centre de santé et de services sociaux de la Montérégie.
This info sheet has been written in collaboration with :
Élise Cadieux-Lynch, travailleuse sociale et agente de liaison partenariats Aire ouverte Brossard
Julie Marcil, nutritionniste et intervenante pivot de l’approche École en santé – CISSS Montérégie-Est
Camille Paquet, intervenante pivot de l’approche École en santé – CISSS Montérégie-Est
Geneviève Dumas, agente de relations humaines – Direction de santé publique de la Montérégie
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