How does social media affect my teen's body image, and what can I do?

Research shows a direct link between social media use and body dissatisfaction in teens — filtered, edited images create unrealistic comparison standards. Teach media literacy: 'Most photos online are edited — that's not what real people look like.' Encourage them to curate their feed (unfollow accounts that make them feel bad, follow body-positive creators). Set reasonable screen time limits. The most protective factor is strong parent-teen communication about appearance and self-worth. Consult your pediatrician if your teen shows signs of disordered eating or severe body dissatisfaction.