Bullying and bullying are problems that affect millions of students worldwide. According to UNESCO, one in three students has been a victim of bullying, which represents a significant challenge for mental Health and integral development of children and adolescents. Lic. Malena Casasola, specialist in sports psychology at DIM health centers, warns about the fundamental importance of dialogue with family and friends and generating a containment network to detect possible sequelae on time.
In Argentina, cyberbullying is a growing concern: 77% of adolescents between 13 and 17 years reported having had negative online experiences, including cyberbullying. In fact, our country occupies the fifth place among countries with more cases of bullying and cyberbullying, with an annual report of 50,250 cases.
The factors that are most frequently associated with harassment have to do with age, with a greater prevalence during adolescence, especially in high school (26.3%). They also influence gender issues, where women students suffer more than men (approximately 22% against 17%). They represent another key factor sexual and gender orientation, with 42% of cases worldwide. And, mental health, which is decisive, since victims of harassment are twice as likely to suffer from severe loneliness, insomnia and suicidal thoughts.
No less important, in this sense, they are social networks and their imposed models. In that context, a particularly harmful form of harassment is body shaming or body humiliation, which consists in criticizing or mocking the physical appearance of a person. This practice can have devastating consequences in the self -esteem and mental health of young people.
“Body Shaming is a form of symbolic violence that can adopt multiple forms, from hurtful comments to subtle expressions of disapproval,” explains Casasola.
CONSEQUENCES
Among the main consequences of body shaming in the health of young people, the specialist mentions:
* Low self -esteem: derogatory comments can cause young people to question their personal worth.
* Anxiety and depression: the fear of being judged by their appearance can generate anguish and social isolation.
* Eating disorders: pressure to meet beauty standards can lead to dysfunctional relationships with food.
“It is essential to promote a culture of acceptance and respect towards body diversity,” emphasizes Casasola.
STRATEGIES
To address and prevent these problems, it is essential to implement educational and awareness strategies that promote a more empathic and respectful culture. Some recommendations include:
*Promote the acceptance of body diversity: Promote positive messages on the diversity of bodies and appearances.
*Educate on the impact of body shaming: Include information on the consequences of harassment and body humiliation in educational programs.
*Establish clear limits: teach young people to identify and reject offensive comments on physical appearance.
*Create safe spaces for dialogue: foster environments where people can express their concerns and experiences without fear of being judged.
“We must review our own practices and everyday language to eradicate body shaming and build a more inclusive society,” concludes Casasola.
