Children are like little sponges, picking up all of the words, actions, and habits that they see from the adults closest to them. Picking up even the smallest of things, they become like little replicas of these role models. This tendency suggests that they are also susceptible to their parents’ beliefs, whether those beliefs are their political views or even their beliefs on mental health. These views can be either positive or negative, but regardless are predominant in their developing children. In some cases, the adolescents go against what their parents believe, though this complete reversion may come after their initial copying that they did as a youngster.

In an effort to “better” themselves or to try to become healthier, parents may work to follow a diet for themselves, instituting healthier life habits. These efforts may seem as if they are for a positive reason to them, but their children can view it as their parent viewing their body negatively and wanting to change their looks. This perspective that they have of their parent can initiate a feeling of inadequacy within themselves, possibly making the child think that they need to change the way that they look. Feeling inadequate or like they need to change themselves may in some instances lead to unhealthy habits of eating, overexercising, or negative mental issues.  

Outside of parental pressures, social media is another main aggravant in the mental health of today’s children. One element that social media apps are known for is the large number of videos of men and women “influencers” showing off their bodies and promoting unrealistic body standards. Though the majority of those present on social media apps are adults, there is a large number of teenagers and children present as well. The adolescents on the apps view the content on their pages and are immediately affected by it, whether or not they realize. They might believe that they need to obtain a body similar to the video that they saw, even if that is not logical or healthy for them. By focusing on the image of their bodies, mental health issues arise and unhealthy habits may become more prevalent. 

Both parents and social media have a great influence on the mental health and overall health of the children of today. If children are exposed to negative content—either from their parents or the Internet—they are likely to be affected by it. The effects are typically mental, with children disapproving of their physical bodies or becoming victim to a negative mindset. Children are subject to developing mental or emotional issues based on the insecurity that they feel after viewing their parents worry about their own bodies or seeing content with influencers having the “perfect” body. With awareness on the negative posts available on social media and on how parents are presenting their goals to better themselves, children can be taught to avoid the negative aspects of these things by practicing positive self-talk and possibly avoiding social media all together

1/13/2025