By: Maeve Rich   Young women have always faced body image issues, but today’s media is helping to exaggerate the problem. The influence of the media on anorexia cannot be ignored or downplayed. It is a major contributor to the eating disorder.

When young girls see images of super-thin actresses and models, they often strive to be like them, not realizing that what they see is not real. Although you can explain concepts of airbrushing and digital enhancement to young girls, the ideas are not often fully understood. Many young women still believe that a magazine cover showing a Hollywood actress is an actual depiction of what that actress looks like, rather than a photo-shopped and airbrushed image. The media alone does not create eating disorders, however. Eating disorders are the result of a person’s life and environment, which can be made worse through the media.

Unrealistic media portrayals can be devastating, not only for the girls affected by anorexia and body image disorders, but also for the parents of the girls who want their daughters to appreciate their bodies the way they are. One way to combat the media’s portrayal of women is to teach girls to view all media with a critical eye. Parents should also downplay the importance of looks to their children, beginning when they are very young.  One way to do this is to focus on qualities that your child has that aren’t related to appearances. Instead of constantly telling your daughter that she’s cute or pretty, applaud her for being smart or funny.

You should also set a good example. Mothers should avoid complaining about their weight and instead lead a healthy lifestyle that they would like their daughter to follow. Crash or fad dieting should also be avoided. Instead, eat healthy, well-balanced meals and exercise regularly. This has proven to be the most effective way to manage weight and a healthy body anyway.

Keep in mind that the media is not all evil either. There are companies (such as Dove) that are spending their advertising dollars to promote a healthy self-image. Likewise, there are magazines that focus on a healthy lifestyle as opposed to thinness. (Be wary of these too however, as they can still send the message that being thin is the only way to be beautiful.) When you find a media outlet that supports real bodies and beauty, direct your children toward them instead of television shows and magazines that focus on thinness as beauty. And if you find something in the media that you believe sends an unhealthy message to teens and young adults, speak up. Change is possible and individual voices can be heard.