How Do Models Affect Teens?

In search of identity and acceptance, some teens look up to models who symbolize beauty and success. They try to emulate both the negative and positive traits associated with models, such as a sense of fashion and confidence or hard partying and drug abuse consecutively. As a parent, you can strengthen your influence through involved parenting and continuous communication, especially about models your teens admire.

  1. Image

    • Images of models on television, in magazines and over the Internet portray beauty as skinny for girls and lean or well-toned for boys. According to the American Medical Association, the media manipulates models̵7; images, which results in unrealistic expectations among teenagers on their own bodies. This can lead to low self-esteem among teenagers. Continually affirm your teenager̵7;s physical appearance and teach her self-acceptance by being positive, especially about her image.

    Peer Pressure

    • Most teenagers seek approval from their peers in their dressing and lifestyle choices. A survey from The Model Alliance of 85 working fashion models based in New York and Los Angeles found that more than 76 percent of the models surveyed had been exposed to drugs and alcohol while on the job. Teenagers might try to emulate the flashy, hard-partying lifestyle of some models to impress their peers. As a result of peer pressure, teenagers experiment with drugs, alcohol and sex at an early age, which is dangerous as it exposes them to health risks associated with drugs, teenage pregnancies and STDs. Firm parenting and setting a good example may help as teenagers are likely to emulate your behavior as they grow older.

    Unhealthy Habits

    • The average woman weighs 140 pounds yet the average model weighs 117 pounds, according to WomensHealth.gov, a publication of the U.S. Department of Human Health and Services. In an attempt to look like models, teenagers may adopt unhealthy eating habits that may affect their overall growth and health. You should watch your teenager̵7;s eating habits and encourage them towards healthy habits that include a balanced diet with at least one protein serving, one starch serving and plenty of fruits and vegetables and a minimum of three meals a day.

    Considerations

    • Models largely influence the decisions teenagers make and your children will often disregard your advice to follow a model. However, in some instances, the models also inspire teenagers to dream big and work hard. The American Academy of Pediatrics̵7; Healthy children website encourages you to build your child̵7;s character by being a positive influence and providing a strong support system. Additionally, you can expose your teen to various successful people to give them different characteristics to admire, such as confidence, concern for the environment, hard work and creativity or concern for the less fortunate.

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