Body Positivity & Digital Wellbeing: Supporting Young People in the Age of Social Media

In today’s digital environment, young people are constantly exposed to images and messages that shape perceptions of beauty, success, and self-worth. Social media platforms often promote unrealistic appearance standards, which can contribute to body anxiety, low self-esteem, and negative self-image among young people. These pressures can affect mental wellbeing, social confidence, and healthy identity development, making body image an increasingly important issue in youth work, education, and community support.

This training course aims to promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and mental wellbeing among young people while equipping youth workers, educators, and community practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to address body image concerns effectively. The course provides practical guidance on creating safe, supportive, and inclusive environments where young people can openly discuss body image issues and develop healthier attitudes toward themselves and others.

Participants will explore how social media influences body perception, how youth workers can support young people experiencing body anxiety, and how educational resources and awareness initiatives can strengthen mental wellbeing. The course also addresses the role of influencers, public figures, and digital creators, highlighting the importance of responsible and ethical content creation in shaping positive online narratives around body confidence and inclusion.

Specifically, the training course will focus on the following:

• Understanding Body Image and Body Anxiety among Young People
  Exploring how social expectations, media influence, and peer dynamics shape young people’s perceptions of their bodies.
• The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem and Mental Wellbeing
  Examining how online images, filters, and comparison culture can influence self-perception and emotional wellbeing.
• Promoting Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance
  Encouraging positive attitudes toward body diversity and helping young people appreciate their value beyond appearance.
• Recognising Signs of Body Image Struggles
  Helping youth workers identify indicators of body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and related mental health concerns.
• Creating Safe and Supportive Youth Spaces
  Developing strategies to foster environments where young people feel respected, accepted, and comfortable discussing personal challenges.
• Supporting Young People with Body Image Concerns
  Providing practical approaches for youth workers to guide discussions, offer emotional support, and encourage healthy self-perception.
• Developing Educational Materials and Awareness Resources
  Designing tools, activities, and information materials that can be used in schools, youth organisations, and NGOs
• Responsible and Ethical Social Media Content Creation
  Engaging influencers and public figures in promoting body confidence, inclusivity, and mental wellbeing through responsible digital communication.
• Digital Literacy and Critical Media Awareness
  Encouraging young people to critically evaluate online content and understand how media messages influence body image.