Tips for Talking about Body Image and Online Content
How to Talk to A Young Person About Body Image and Online Content
Find simple ways to start a body image conversation, helpful words to use, and tips to frame a conversation positively.
This page also covers what to do if your young person does not want to talk, so you can keep the door open and help them feel safe coming back to you.
Your first job is to listen
I wish there were more adults, like my sister, who are willing to just listen, or people who just want to listen, and not do anything crazy, but just listen to what I want to say.
Female, 17, Asian — Digital Reflections research, 2024
Top tips to frame a conversation
- Respectful curiosity — ask questions in an open way that helps you understand their online experiences with body image content.
- Keep it natural — ask questions during your normal routines. Talk about your favourite apps over breakfast, or while driving to after school activities.
- Be proactive — talking early can head off a problem. Young people may be defensive and reluctant to discuss live issues due to embarrassment or fear of getting in trouble.
- Lead with a request — ask for help with an app or platform. This shows your young person that you want to learn about their experiences.
- When in doubt, act it out — try using scenarios when discussing solutions to online challenges. Ask your young person how they would support a friend who was having trouble online.
There's a digital divide...
I don’t think that previous generations would be able to understand a lot of what younger people are going through. ‘Cause they didn’t grow up with those sorts of ideals, or the dump truck of information on the internet.
Trans or gender diverse, 16, NZ European — Digital Reflections research, 2024
How to talk about body image
Start simply and keep your tone steady.
Try to:
- pick a calm moment
- start with what you have noticed
- ask open questions
- listen more than you talk
- stay curious
- thank your young person for telling you
You do not need to have all the answers. Your first job is to listen.
Body Image Conversation Starters
Not sure how to talk about body image with a young person? Try these questions to get you started.
How home talk affects body image
Comments at home can stick, even when they seem small.
Try to avoid:
- comments about weight gain or weight loss
- jokes about food or portion size
- calling food “good” or “bad”
- negative talk about your own body in front of your young person
- comparing bodies, shapes, or appearances.
Try instead to focus on:
- what bodies can do
- how your young person feels
- effort, strengths, and interests
- kindness to self and others.
If your young person shuts down or changes the subject
If your young person does not want to talk:
- do not force it
- leave the door open
- come back later
- ask if there is another trusted adult they would rather talk to
- keep showing care without pressure
A young person does not need to talk the first time for the conversation to matter.
Quick Parent Check
Before you finish the conversation, ask yourself:
- Did I stay calm?
- Did I listen?
- Did I avoid judging?
- Did I avoid talking too much?
- Did I help my young person feel safe to come back?
Next Steps
Check out practical support strategies to help if a young person is struggling with body dissatisfaction.
