Adolescents and the Risks of Weight-Related Bullying on Screens
The use of screens and social media among adolescents has become an integral part of their daily lives. However, there are hidden risks associated with this digital engagement, particularly in the realm of weight-related bullying. A recent multinational study published in PLOS One sheds light on this issue and reveals some alarming findings.
Weight-Related Bullying: A Growing Concern
The study, which analyzed data from over 12,000 adolescents aged between 10 and 17 in Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States, found a direct correlation between screen time and weight-related bullying. The more hours adolescents spent on screens and social media platforms, the higher the likelihood of being bullied due to their weight.
Lead study author Dr. Kyle Ganson, an assistant professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, explained that every additional hour spent on social media use was equivalent to a 13% increase in the prevalence of experiencing weight-related bullying. Furthermore, specific platforms such as Twitter (now known as X) and Twitch were found to have the most significant impact, with a 69% and 49% increase in weight-related bullying, respectively.
The Impact of Social Media on Body Image
The relationship between social media use and problems like disordered eating, poor body image, and depression and anxiety is well-established. Kendrin Sonneville, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, who was not involved in the research, highlighted this concern.
“Weight stigma and bias are common on social media,” Ganson stated via email. “These findings further highlight that adolescents are encountering bullying specifically related to weight, which may increase the risk for the development of poor body image, disordered eating, and depression and anxiety.”
Avoiding Unhelpful Responses
When it comes to helping children deal with bullying, parents and caregivers can inadvertently worsen the situation. Oona Hanson, a parenting coach based in Los Angeles, explained that attempting to change a child’s body to prevent bullying is not only unhelpful but may even align the parent with the bully instead of their child.
“To be on your child’s side, it is essential to validate their feelings and remind them that the bullying is the problem—not their body,” Hanson said. “Listen to your child and let them know their feelings matter.”
Addressing Weight-Based Bullying
Understanding the digital environment young people are navigating is crucial. By having open conversations about bullying, particularly related to weight, and teaching media literacy, parents and caregivers can help protect their children from potential harm.
“Social media use is ubiquitous among adolescents,” Ganson emphasized. “It’s important for adults in their lives to be aware of their use, the content they are engaging with, and support media literacy to ensure they use social media appropriately.”
Some potential solutions for dealing with weight-based bullying include utilizing support resources at school, making accounts private, or setting limitations on screen time. Ultimately, addressing this issue requires a collective effort from parents, caregivers, educators, and tech companies to create a more inclusive and safe digital environment for young people.
