How to prevent negative body image

By ReachOut Content Team
Published 24 November 2023

As a parent it's important to support the development of body confidence in your teenager. Preventing negative body image is so important as it can make a teenager less likely to develop an eating disorder. Watch this video to learn how to identify the risk factors and encourage positive self-esteem and body image.

In this video you will learn:

  • What body image is and why it’s important to young people's lives.

  • Things in young people's lives which might lead issues with body image.

  • Ways in which a young person's internal thoughts might lead to negative body image.

  • Strategies for parents which can help with negative body image.

  • Some important insights from Danielle, a young person who has recovered from an eating disorder.

  • About support services which might help parents and teenagers who need further help.

Read the transcript.

Did you find what you needed?

ReachOut home
Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

© ReachOut Australia 2025

Terms and conditions | Privacy policy