Youth Voice – Getting comfortable in our skin

As we head into the warmer months, the days of soaking up the sun, sand and surf at the beach are fast approaching. 

For many this means breathing a sigh of relief coming out of the winter hibernation, where you can take off the jumpers and joggers, and enjoy the freedom of frolicking in the waves. However, for others, it can actually be quite a daunting time, when the pressure that comes with having more skin exposed and having that ‘summer body’ can be all too much. 

Young girls and guys are living in a world primed for body obsession and unrealistic body ideals. Social media, in particular, keeps people hooked into a validation trap hinged on images. Female influencers post photos in their bikinis revealing their slim and toned physique, and guys post photos showcasing their defined bodies. 

However, one could argue that the focus on ‘the perfect body’ has been constant throughout time, it is just the cultural trends and technology that have evolved. 

If we throw it back to the 19th century, we see that to be large, was to be in vogue. Larger body mass symbolised wealth and privilege, showing you could afford to eat more.

Moving forward to the 1920s, it was fashionable to be slender and boyish. The icon of the 1950s, Marilyn Munroe, brought about the popularity of curvaceousness. Then along came Arnold Schwarzenegger and Cindy Crawford, who introduced the athletic figure, followed by the waif-like figure and today we see the ‘fitspiration figure’ idolised alongside the Kardashians. The bottom line is that the ideal body is like fast fashion – the trends are ever changing! 

With the pressures to live up to this idealised standard, young girls and guys can be left with low self-esteem, as they simply don’t feel like they measure up. For example, the YWCA Insights Report showed a 2020 survey of young people in NZ, who reported that 79 percent have seen posts that made them “feel negatively about their body image, social situation or background”. Recent research has also linked poor body image with a higher risk of depression, bullying, eating disorders, and reduced physical activity.

So, what can we do about helping people to feel comfortable in their own skin? Firstly, let’s encourage body acceptance, whatever shape or size. Secondly, let’s encourage our youth to not compare themselves to influencers and celebrities, who set unrealistic standards which can often be digitally enhanced or cosmetically treated. Thirdly, let’s get practical and encourage girls and guys to think of the things they like about their appearance and personality (let’s not lose sight of the fact that what matters most is on the inside). And finally, let’s focus on healthy eating and exercise habits.

Life is too short to allow the cultural trends and pressures of the day to dictate how you define yourself. Let’s encourage our youth to feel confident in their own skin in every season.