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How Early Does Body Image Start? A Chat for Mums & Girls

Here’s a little shocker, by the time some girls blow out their 7th birthday candles, they’re already thinking about how they look and not always in a happy way. Yep… seven. It’s not just TikTok (though that’s part of it). It’s adverts, TV shows, playground chats, and those “harmless” little comments we grown-ups sometimes make without even noticing. But here's the thing, once those thoughts settle in, they can follow them for years.



What’s actually happening?

So I did a bit of research and found this out:

  • Ages 7–10 – Around 1 in 3 girls already feel there’s a “right” way to look… and it’s different to the boys.

  • Ages 11–16 – Over half wish they looked like their filtered selfies.

This isn’t about being vain, it’s about how early confidence starts getting shaped.


Why it's happening?

  • Social media & filters, even if they’re not posting, they’re seeing.

  • Perfect-looking influencers, airbrushed everything, all the time.

  • Compliments on looks only, “You look so pretty” is lovely… but if it’s the only thing they hear, they can start thinking looks = worth.

  • The playground effect, kids comparing clothes, hair, who looks “grown-up” yet.


What can we do to help?

  • Mix up the compliments. “You’re so funny”, “You were so kind to your friend today”, “I love how you solved that puzzle.”

  • Be the role model. Try not to say “I hate my body” in front of them (easier said than done, I know!).

  • Talk casually about media. Point out how ads or posts are edited.

  • Focus on what bodies do, ie running, climbing, dancing, hugging…



The truth is, body image can start ridiculously early… but so can body confidence. We just have to be the voices and the spaces that remind our girls they’re so much more than their mirror.


Our Girls Club is coming back this September!


If you’re looking for a space where we actually talk about things like body confidence, self-worth, and how to handle the pressures girls face today, our Serenity for Girls Saturday Club is exactly that.


Starting 20th September, we’ll meet every week for 90 minutes of:

  • Honest chats on topics that matter (like this one!)

  • Fun, creative activities to help girls feel strong and confident

  • A safe, supportive space where they can just be themselves


It’s about helping them grow into girls who know their worth in a safe, fun and supportive space!


 
 
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