Teen Models and Body Positivity: 10 Confidence-Boosting Tips

It isn’t hard to see why teen models get such a rough ride these days – or why so many of them feel they just aren’t good enough.

Every day, they are bombarded with images of people they think they should look like and they hear about the so-called success of those they believe they should aspire to be similar to.

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If you are the parent of a teen model, it can be hard to encourage your youngster to break free from the stream of unrealistic images and information that can be so damaging.

If you are a teen model yourself, you probably know that AI, filters and algorithms are all contributing to the unrealistic ideals you are aspiring towards – and yet it can be so difficult to override the intensity of what you are feeling.

Models Direct is an agency that always has and always will promote body positivity.

We represent a broad range of different models of all sorts of backgrounds and heritages.

We have male, female, children and mature models on our books, including those who are tall, petite, plus-size and living with a disability.

Our clients seek models of all looks and body sizes for their assignments and, as such, we love to hear from anyone at all with an interest in modelling.

So, with that in mind, we ask all our models, including the teenagers, to take a step back and be proud of who they are.

And perhaps mull over our 10 top tips towards boosting confidence and body positivity:

1. Stop checking your weight, body size and shape. This will not only lessen any obsessions with how you look but will be incredibly freeing.

2. Stop comparing yourself with other people, whether they are people you know or those you are seeing on screen or elsewhere. No two people are ever the same and comparisons are unhelpful.

3. Restrict your social media usage. Try to think about what makes you feel good and what doesn’t. If scrolling through anything leaves you feeling anything less than happy with yourself, then don’t look at it.

4. Diversify what you are looking at. Follow people from all sorts of backgrounds and with a range of body shapes. Open yourself up to accounts that engender positivity and happiness rather than envy and striving for unrealistic goals.

5. Find out more about different cultures, especially those that celebrate curvy, happy, healthy bodies. Notice how much more at ease with their bodies some people from some other countries or parts of the world are.

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6. Try to accept your body for what it is and your inner self for who you really are. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t try to be happier or healthier in life but be realistic. Tiny changes can make big differences and small steps towards achieving realistic goals can be very confidence boosting.

7. Physical movement and healthy eating are fantastic and can make you feel better but only do exercise that you enjoy and find healthy foods that you love. Restricting yourself will only make you feel worse and more likely to fail.

8. Celebrate your strengths – make a list of everything you enjoy doing and are good at. Write down your daily achievements. This can be something as simple as giving a neighbour a cheery good morning, picking up a piece of litter on the street or sorting out a messy drawer. The small things all help and will add up.

9. Wear clothes that make you feel good, not what you think you should be wearing – be yourself in the colours you choose and styles you opt for. This will not only help boost your confidence and body positivity in daily life, but also in any of your own modelling shots.

10. If you think you have a serious problem with how you view yourself, then speak to a parent, friend or teacher. Ask to see your GP or a therapist. Parents, if you are concerned about your youngster then please make an appointment for them. It is never too late to seek help.