As your child reaches puberty, fitting in and looking the same as others becomes even more important. Teenage girls and overweight young people are more likely to feel negative about their bodies or have an unhealthy body image. Unhealthy body image is directly related to low self-esteem which can lead to mood swings.

How to support your teen

• Encourage them to get involved in new activities such as sports or volunteering to give them meaning and feel valued
• Encourage teens to be active and reduce screen time can help to manage mood and long term mental health
• Talking about body image – listing to any concerns your teens may have
• Watch out for dieting for weight loss. Fad diets can be dangerous, and rarely support any long term weight loss.
• Any teasing about weight or appearance is not acceptable within the family
• Encourage and praise a teen’s abilities skills and attributes rather than the way their body looks
• Be a positive role model by eating health and exercising regularly and place importance on health not on physical appearance

Local supports

headspace – provides early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young people’s wellbeing. Four Key areas are covered including: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services. In South Western Sydney headspace centres are located in:

• Liverpool
• Bankstown
• Campbelltown

[Source: Raising Children Network; Better Health Victoria]