“5 Hidden Reasons Your Teen May Be Struggling With Body Image – And 5 Powerful Ways You Can Help”

At Body Image Coach UK, we are proud to offer a fully funded 6-week program for 11–16 year olds in amination, thanks to the support of the VCS Alliance. This vital program gives young people a safe space to explore their thoughts, build confidence, and develop a healthier relationship with their bodies. But before we dive into the ways to help, it’s important to understand why so many young people are silently struggling. Whether it’s eating disorders, body dysmorphia, or muscle dysmorphia, these challenges often start early—and without the right support, they grow with them into adulthood.

5 Reasons Why Young People May Struggle With Body Image

1. Neurodiversity and Body Image

Young people who are neurodiverse (including those with ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities) often experience a disconnect between how they perceive their bodies and how the world responds to them. This can lead to confusion, low self-worth, and obsessive body checking, all of which may spiral into disordered eating or BDD.

2. It Begins in Adolescence and Grows Quietly

Most body image issues begin in the pre-teen and teen years, often going unnoticed. If left unsupported, those unresolved thoughts follow young people into adulthood, evolving into deeply rooted disorders.

3. Peer Pressure—Including From Parents

Whether we realise it or not, children mirror our behaviours. If they see parents constantly criticising their own bodies, that inner voice becomes theirs too. Peer pressure from school or online only adds to the load, reinforcing the idea that their body isn't good enough.

4. It’s Often Their Biggest Secret

Many teens carry intense shame, self-loathing, and fear—but never say a word. They think they’re the only one feeling this way. Creating open, judgment-free spaces to talk helps lift the lid on those hidden thoughts.

5. Trauma Impacts the Way They See Themselves

Childhood trauma can affect how the brain regulates emotion. This often leads to internalised blame or hatred, where a young person believes their body is at fault for what they’ve been through.

5 Ways You Can Support Your Child Right Now

1. Talk Often (Even When They Don’t)

Make daily 5-minute check-ins part of your routine—on the way home from school, during bedtime, or over a snack. If they won’t open up right away, keep showing up. Eventually, they’ll know: “You’re always there when I need you.” That message? It’s priceless.

2. Use the Johari Window as a Family Tool

Once a week, take time to really see each other using the Johari Window. Pick a moment that feels safe and calm—like Sunday after baking cookies together. This helps build trust, awareness, and communication in a way that’s fun and healing.

3. Educate With Our Free Resources

Our website has animation workshops, toolkits, and YouTube content designed just for teens and parents. Learn together about positive body image, and if you’re in Bradford, refer them to our 6-week program – completely free! Elsewhere in the UK, it’s just £305 for 20 hours of live online coaching with with a qualified coach.

4. Rethink Their Screen Time – And Replace It Rather Than Stop It

Instead of stopping their social media, surround it with better things that naturally steer them away. Whether it's dance class, puzzles, creative hobbies, or quality family time—connection and joy help reduce the grip that dopamine-driven apps have. Want to boost their serotonin instead? Focus on laughter, creativity, and time in nature.

5. Teach Them That Boredom Is An Opening Of Creativity

When a child is bored, their imagination kicks in—and with it, serotonin. Instead of instantly distracting them, create radon games together that only need their imagination. For example:

“How many tablespoons would fill this room?”

“How long would it take to walk to the moon?”

"If you could paint yourself 2 colours what would they be?"

Silly? Maybe. Powerful? Absolutely. Imagination is one of the most healing tools a child has—and it’s free.

Join Us – Your Child Deserves Support

Our on-line 6-week Body Image Support Program for 11–14 year olds is designed to give young people practical tools, a safe community, and a deeper understanding of their worth. If you’re in Bradford, it’s 100% funded by the VCS Alliance. Elsewhere in the UK, we offer affordable access thanks to our not-for-profit model.

Explore our tools, meet our staff, and start the journey today at👉

www.bodyimagecoach.co.ukAnd don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @bodyimagecoach4teens

We care because we've been there :)