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Self image in girls

Key points

  • Objectification occurs when a person's worth is judged on their appearance and sexual appeal to the exclusion of other characteristics.
  • From a young age, girls can receive messages that physical appearance, beauty, and sexiness are what matter.
  • These messages are widely present in social media, advertising, television, electronic gaming, books, and newspapers.
  • Some of these messages encourage the sexualisation of girls from a very early age, before they are emotionally or physically ready. 
  • The pressure to look a certain way can have a large impact on girls’ body image especially as they experience hormonal and physical changes as they enter puberty.
  • The impact of this can have a detrimental effect on adolescent development, increasing the risk of depression, eating disorders and low self-esteem.
  • Parents, carers, and other role models can play an important role in fostering healthy body image and positive self-esteem in girls and adolescents.

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