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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This Latest Teen Trend Has Experts Feeling Very Uneasy, And It Makes Sense Why
Trends change, technology advances, yet teenagers always seem to stay the same. They find new ways to maintain social relevance — often by doing things older generations don't understand. (Don't believe me? Just try to guess what any of their slang terms mean.) One of the latest teen trends is something that might raise a few eyebrows among parents, due to safety and privacy concerns: location tracking. Although teens crave independence from their parents, they are voluntarily sharing their real-time whereabouts with their friends. Popular phone tracking app Life360 recently found that Gen Z is 70% more likely than any other age group to share their location with friends. And 94% of Gen Z surveyed said their lives benefit from location sharing. In May 2025, Snapchat announced that its location-sharing Snap Map has more than 400 million monthly active users, per TechCrunch. This influences other social media platforms, as Instagram is reportedly working on a similar Friend Map to allow users to see their friends' locations. Many adults, including Leigh McInnis, the executive director of Newport Healthcare, may feel wary about this trend; however, McInnis keeps an open mind. 'While my immediate instinct is related to the protection of privacy and boundaries,' she told HuffPost, 'I realize that this impulse is likely more related to my generational identity and discomfort with technology and tracking than the social needs and preferences of today's teens and young adults.' McInnis added, 'I think that it is important to explore the function of a behavior before judging it or intervening in it.' Not sure what to think about it — or how to ensure your teen uses an app like this safely? Keep reading for expert-backed opinions to help you understand why your teens might like sharing their location, as well as tips on setting boundaries and red flags to look for. Location Sharing Isn't Necessarily New 'Many of the teens I work with — including my own daughter — share their location with their friends,' said Dr. Cameron Caswell, adolescent psychologist, host of Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast, and parent of a teen. 'It's a little about safety, but mostly 'because it's just fun to see what each other is doing.'' Back in the olden days (circa 2006), teens would update their Myspace status to let you know what they were up to. Later, they 'checked in' to places on Foursquare and Facebook, shared real-time updates on Snapchat and Instagram stories, and tweeted every detail of their lives. Now, they use Snapchat's Snap Map, Life360, or Apple's location sharing to share with their friends everywhere they are in real time. 'This isn't new,' Caswell said. 'In a world where nearly everything is shared, this doesn't feel invasive to teens — it feels normal. It's just another way they stay looped into each other's lives.' Teens also use apps like this to track their parents, according to Caswell, whose own daughter will text her if she sees her mom is at Ulta and ask for lip gloss. 'For many teens, location sharing is about connection and a sense of safety,' Caswell explained. 'It's their way of saying, 'You're in my circle' and 'I've got your back.'' Understanding The Risks Even though sharing your location with friends might be popular, it doesn't come without consequences. Cheryl Groskopf, an anxiety, trauma, and attachment therapist based in Los Angeles, sees teens sharing their locations as a way 'to manage anxiety, track social dynamics and feel less alone.' 'There's comfort in knowing where your people are, especially in a world where teens constantly feel like they could get left out, replaced, or excluded,' she said. 'But that comfort is fragile — it relies on constant access (which leaves their nervous system hypervigilant to feeling 'left out').' 'If you're checking someone's location because you don't trust what they're telling you — or because they don't trust you — then it's already crossed into a control dynamic,' Groskopf said. In her practice, she's seen teens 'spiral' when they spot their friend at a party they weren't invited to, or 'because someone didn't respond fast enough, but 'was clearly at home.'' She explained, 'It becomes a setup for overthinking, panic, and social surveillance.' 'Teens shouldn't use location sharing when it's being used to avoid rejection, manage someone else's anxiety, or prove loyalty,' she added. McInnis said, 'Teens sharing their location and having their friends track them could harm their mental health.' Constantly seeing (and comparing) your friends' social activities 'can lead to feelings of inadequacy,' she added. Caswell agreed. 'Location sharing can intensify FOMO (fear of missing out) and social exclusion,' she said. 'Seeing a group of friends hanging out without them — even unintentionally — can make them feel lonelier and more left out.' In addition to these emotional risks, there are physical risks, too. Like a teen's location data being available to someone who might wish them harm. 'In the wrong hands, it can make [teens] more vulnerable to stalking, harassment or even predatory behavior, especially if they are in controlling relationships,' Caswell said. There's A Gender Gap Teen girls may be more likely to use location sharing as a way to feel safer. According to the Life360 survey, 70% of Gen Z women believe their physical well-being benefits from location sharing. In the field, our experts also found that females were more likely to do this. Caswell said that 'mostly girls' will openly share their location with friends, 'both for fun and because it makes them feel safer knowing someone always knows where they are.' However, this sense of safety is a double-edged sword, as it can 'increase the risk of stalking, harassment, or even sexual violence,' Caswell said. 'Especially when their location is shared with the wrong person, which is often someone they know and trust.' Groskopf warns of the dangers girls and femme teens may experience when their use of location-sharing is weaponized against them. 'It can easily turn into emotional surveillance disguised as closeness,' she explained. (For example, a friend or partner telling them, 'If you trust me, you'll let me see where you are.') 'I see these kinds of patterns play out in high-control dynamics — friends or partners checking locations not to stay safe, but to manage anxiety, jealousy, or power,' Groskopf said. 'And girls are way more likely to internalize that and comply, even when it feels off. They're more likely to be conditioned to avoid conflict, manage other people's emotions, and keep the peace — even if that means overriding their own boundaries.' That's why teaching your kids how to set boundaries, in real life and online, is important. Setting Boundaries Teaching your teen how to handle location-sharing in a safe way starts with conversations around consent and the ability to say no. When asked if there is a safe way for teens to share their locations, Groskopf said, 'Only if there's real consent, boundaries, and the freedom to opt out without punishment.' In this case, the punishment could be feeling guilt-tripped or rejected by a friend. 'That means not just technically having the option to stop sharing, but knowing you won't be guilted, shut out, or shamed if you do,' Groskopf continued. 'A parent saying, 'I want to know where you are in case of emergency' is one thing. A friend saying, 'Why'd you turn off your location?' with passive-aggressive silence afterward is something else entirely.' She added, 'Safe tracking only works when it's not being weaponized to regulate someone else's fear, jealousy, or insecurity.' How To Talk To Your Teen About Location Sharing Start the conversation with curiosity, not criticism, Caswell said. 'Instead of banning [location sharing], I recommend walking through privacy settings together and having calm conversations about why they're sharing in the first place,' she said. 'Is it for safety? To feel connected to their bestie? Because they feel pressured to? Helping teens understand why they are doing it makes location sharing a lot safer and more intentional.' From there, encourage your teen to only share their location with 'a small, trusted circle of close friends or family,' and check in on this list frequently. 'One mom I worked with told me her daughter was shocked to find an ex-boyfriend still had access to her location,' Caswell said. 'Of course, that explained why he kept 'randomly' showing up wherever she was. Instead of freaking out, the mom used it as an opportunity to talk with her daughter about how to use tech more safely moving forward.' It's always a good idea to talk with your teens about how to stay safe online and set boundaries around privacy with their friends. But keep in mind, this starts at home. 'Let your teen say no to you sometimes,' Caswell suggested. 'Practicing boundaries with someone safe gives them the confidence to do it with someone who isn't,' she added. 'That's how they build real-world safety skills — not just digital ones.' This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is Your Teen Quiet Quitting School? Why the End of the Year Hits Hardest
Prom, end-of-year exams, college tours, graduation parties — the list of things your teens have going on at this time of year is exhausting. We already know moms are struggling with 'Maycember,' the time of year that rivals December with how busy it is, but teens are also struggling at the end of the school year. And they may be turning to quiet quitting at school to cope with the pressures. Quiet quitting is a term that first started circulating around the COVID-19 pandemic, in which employees stopped going the extra mile and just did the bare minimum to get by at work. That means no extra time, enthusiasm, or anything else for the job. Just show up, get the job done, and go home. Not quitting — but not doing anything above and beyond. Recently, teens have been doing the same at school. More from SheKnows I Was Told College Was the Only Option - But I'm Telling My Kids the Truth Francine Le, National Director of Education for Newport Healthcare, tells SheKnows that quiet quitting among teens 'refers to a phenomenon where students make a conscious decision to do the bare minimum when they may have previously been engaged and connected to their school experience.' 'This phrase highlights a subtle disconnection due to mental health issues, stress, academic pressures, lack of motivation and more,' she went on. It can look like sudden withdrawal from school activities, decreased participation, and declining academic performance. 'Students are re-evaluating what is important to them and are choosing to reduce their academic stress by 'quiet quitting' to safeguard and protect their mental health and well-being,' Le adds. Teachers have noticed students doing this at school for the past couple years. In 2023, several came forward to share stories in the Teachers subreddit. One person explained students quiet quitting like this: 'There's simply no incentive to work hard anymore, college doesn't guarantee good jobs anymore so why work hard in high school if you're not going to college. Why even pass high school when most places are so starved for employees they'll take anyone. Or they're just delusional because they think they'll become a star on twitch or TikTok or something and working hard on biology homework is stupid.' Others argued that even doing the 'bare minimum' would be a welcome upgrade from what they see in their classrooms. 'When people use the term 'quiet quitting' to me it means that they're referring to the people that do the bare minimum to pass by. To be [quite] honest that would be a vast improvement for many of my students,' one teacher wrote. Unlike students who completely drop out or skip class, this could look like teens technically showing up to school but acting totally disengaged. 'I see quiet quitting as when a student is physically present but emotionally or mentally checked out,' Aja Chavez, executive director of Adolescent Services at Mission Prep Healthcare, tells SheKnows. 'They're doing just enough to get by but avoiding participation and often disengaging from anything that isn't strictly required. It's more of a quiet withdrawal. The student may still show up, but the spark or sense of connection to their learning is missing.' Chavez says that since students returned to in-person classes after the pandemic, the quiet quitting trend has skyrocketed. 'Many students came back to school environments that didn't feel relevant or responsive to the emotional toll they had experienced,' she tells us. 'Combine that with increased screen time, burnout, and pressure from every direction, and it's not surprising that some students are pulling back quietly.' Le agrees. She told us, 'Teens mentally check out of school when they do not feel a sense of belonging to their school or the motivation to participate in their own learning.' 'As a consequence of the pandemic and the evolution of the digital age we are in, teens are showing difficulty with self-esteem, isolation, and interpersonal skills,' she adds. Mental health issues and 'intense' academic pressure, where students believe their future depends on the results of every test, grade, or extracurricular activity, contributes to this problem, according to Chavez. 'That pressure can lead to anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout,' she says. 'When that's paired with underlying mental health challenges, which many teens are facing right now, school starts to feel like an impossible mountain.' Le says that untreated mental health issues, plus academic pressure that triggers anxiety and depression, work together to cause students to disengage from learning. 'A student may consciously lower their own expectations and stop exerting as much effort as a means to avoid 'failure,'' she explains. Le adds that teens without the proper support and tools to cope with mental health issues will 'not have the capacity to engage in their learning.' Look for subtle changes in your teens to see if they might be falling into the quiet quitting trend. Pulling back. 'You might notice a student who used to be engaged starting to participate less, stops turning in assignments, or pull back socially,' Chavez explains. Declining grades and/or missed assignments. Slipping attendance. Kids might skip more and more or ask to leave class early frequently. Change in attitude. Chavez says a big red flag is a student who previously cared about their work begins to say things like, 'it doesn't matter' or 'I'm just tired.' Withdrawal. 'Emotional withdrawal from school-related activities,' is a sign, according to Le. 'It's often more of a slow fade than a sudden drop-off,' Chavez adds. Teens have been shirking their duties for decades. (When I was in high school, we used to say 'C's get degrees' to justify not studying harder for a test.) So how do parents know if this quiet quitting is something different? 'Teachers and parents can distinguish normal teen behaviors and disengagement from something more serious, like a mental health condition, by looking for persistent patterns,' Le recommends. If they are experiencing emotional withdrawal, mood changes, or academic decline that lasts for several weeks at a time and interferes with daily functioning, 'it may be a sign that there are deeper mental health issues at play rather than typical adolescent behavior,' says Le. 'At that point, it might be time to seek outside support.' Of course, parents (and teachers) know the students best, so you are the expert if something feels off. A student committing to quiet quitting isn't a lost cause. Parents and teachers can help them recover from this by taking time to connect with your teens. 'Students are more likely to re-engage when they feel seen, heard, and valued,' Chavez says. 'One-on-one check-ins, mentoring, or finding just one class or activity they can reconnect with can be a game-changer.' Additionally, help your teens redirect from perfectionism to small wins. 'Sometimes it's about helping them rediscover their strengths and passions,' Chavez continues. 'And in some cases, connecting them with mental health support is a crucial piece of the puzzle.' 'It's important for parents and teachers to build trust and connection with their teens and students by having open and honest conversations, validating their feelings instead of trying to fix everything, celebrating small and big wins, using a growth mindset, and involving them in solutions,' Le says. She suggests working with your student and their teachers to help the teen get back on track. 'Teens want the opportunity to do well at something and want to feel a sense of belonging to their school and community,' Le explains. 'If the teen lacks motivation despite attempts to re-engage in school or the activities they used to enjoy, it may be time to seek outside mental health support to determine what may be going on and how to best move forward.' There is a mental health crisis happening in our country right now. One recent study by the CDC found that depression among U.S. teens and adults has increased 60% in the last decade, with young people ages 12-19 most likely to report current symptoms of depression. A March 2025 study by the Pew Research Center found that teens ages 13-17 are facing many pressures at schools, with 71% of teen girls and 65% of teen boys admitting feeling 'a great deal or a fair amount of pressure to get good grades.' In SheKnows' own 'Be a Man' project that explored the lives of teen boys, we found that 55% of teens surveyed cited academics as their top source of stress. Earlier this year, SheKnows hosted a live event with authors Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop and four teens from our Gen Z Council. One teen named Greta shared, 'I don't know if parents always understand the extent of the pressure we can be under throughout school. It really does feel like sometimes you have to be 'on' all the time.' Greta added that she feels 'drained' after school and doesn't want to jump right into homework: 'I'm not gonna be able to put my best work forward, and I just think taking breaks is not having a bad work ethic, and I think it's OK to do that sometimes.' Another teen named Santiago shared how stress can lower motivation. 'Stress can lead to a lack of motivation, which is a true killer of productivity. 'It kills the momentum that you have at the beginning of the year,' Santiago said. 'At the beginning of the year, you're fresh … and then stress just really slows you down.' Chavez wants parents to really lean into how students are feeling, especially at the end of the year. 'I think it's important to note that quiet quitting in schools isn't about laziness or lack of ambition,' she notes. 'It's usually a sign that something underneath isn't working. If we approach students with curiosity instead of criticism, we can start to uncover what they really need and help them find their way back to feeling connected, supported, and capable again.' Because it's still true that you 'don't have to bust your a– to pass a class,' as we used to say, but if your teen participating in quiet quitting is part of a deeper problem or a mental health issue, it's definitely worth a second of SheKnows Beyoncé, Chris Hemsworth, & More Celebs Share the Most Important Life Lessons They've Learned From Their Moms Recent Baby & Toddler Product Recalls Every Parent and Caregiver Should Know About Celebrity Moms Who Were Honest About Miscarriage & Pregnancy Loss — Because It Matters
CBS News
20-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Smartphone addiction is leading to "brain rot," doctors say
Asheville, North Carolina — Katy Paige Rosenberg, a freshman at the University of North Carolina Asheville, recently realized what too much scrolling on her phone was doing to her. She estimates she was probably spending about nine hours a day on her phone . "I was just kind of constantly on it," Rosenberg said. "…I wasn't able to focus, because I would have to take out my phone every couple of minutes." Stories like hers are familiar, but now it is possible to see the science behind it, according to Dr. Brent Nelson, a psychiatrist and the chief medical information officer for Southern California-based Newport Healthcare, which operates mental health treatment centers for teens nationwide. "Smartphones have wide-reaching changes all over the brain," Nelson explains. He showed CBS News MRI images from a 2021 study in Korea that showed major increases in brain activity — the negative effects of smartphone addiction . "This is showing where the brain is working extra hard compared to a non-addicted brain when asked to do actually, a pretty simple task," Nelson said. In the study, the MRI images of addicted smartphone users' brains were so colorful, meaning so active, it made them less attentive and more easily distracted — what is now informally called "brain rot." "Let's take school for example," Nelson said of how brain rot can manifest. "You're sitting in class and you're trying to focus. They're going to be looking around, not attending to what the teacher is trying to teach them." Nelson says emerging research points to even greater risks. "We're just starting to see these changes, and we know they're connected to behavioral changes, depression, anxiety," Nelson said. "The dangers are hiding in there." Rosenberg agrees with that assessment. "Social media had really influenced me in a lot of ways," Rosenberg said. "TikTok would kind of push these videos of people popping an edible before school. And I was like, 'If I do this, maybe I'll be cool.' And I started self-medicating." To deal with that, last year, she checked into a treatment facility. She believes that if she had not gone to treatment, "I don't think I'd be here. It was really bad." Rosenberg had to give up her phone in treatment. There, the Gen Zer found other outlets , from drawing to playing guitar, that helped rewire her brain. The key, perhaps, were analog antidotes, reminiscent of another generation. Says Nelson: "Playing in the dirt, drinking from the hose, sort of the Gen X kind of mentality, is shown to actually allow folks to recover, to feel better, to make it easier to kind of go about their day."
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's How To Talk To Your Kids About "Bigorexia" — A Scary Disorder That's On The Rise In Young Men
Parents today are generally aware of mental health conditions that relate to body image, including common disorders like anorexia. But experts warn a lesser-known issue is on the rise, particularly among boys: muscle dysmorphia, aka 'bigorexia.' 'Bigorexia is a psychological condition and type of body dysmorphic disorder which involves a distorted self-image that focuses specifically on muscle size and physical appearance,' Kara Becker, a certified eating disorder therapist and national director of eating disorder programs at Newport Healthcare, told HuffPost. With bigorexia, the afflicted person is obsessed with becoming more muscular and preoccupied with the idea that their body isn't brawny enough ― even if they actually have the physique of a bodybuilder. 'Individuals may have an inaccurate view of their bodies, often believing they are smaller or less muscular,' said Amy Gooding, a clinical psychologist at Eating Recovery Center, Baltimore. 'This belief and subsequent preoccupation can lead to unhealthy behaviors, including obsessive exercise, and may lead to changing one's eating to be as lean as possible.' Although muscle dysmorphia can affect anyone, it's more common in males, and research suggests the disorder is on the rise. A 2019 study indicated that 22% of adolescent boys engaged in 'muscularity-oriented disordered eating behaviors' in an attempt to bulk up or gain weight and found that supplements, dietary changes, and even steroid use were common among young adult males. 'Eating disorders in boys are often under-recognized and under-diagnosed, said Jason Nagata, a pediatrician specializing in eating disorders in boys and men, who co-authored the study. He noted that a recent Canadian study found that hospitalizations for eating disorders in male patients had risen dramatically since 2002. 'While there's more awareness around eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia can be overlooked for several reasons ― one reason being that it can lead to behaviors often encouraged in the weight room,' Gooding said. 'Lack of awareness of the disorder may lead to the disorder being missed in someone who is struggling, as this is one of the less well-known disorders. Those who struggle may hesitate to reach out for help due to shame, secrecy, or the normalization of the behaviors in the community.' What's fueling the rise of bigorexia in kids and young adults? 'There are many potential causes and influences, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that can contribute to the development of this disorder,' Becker said. 'A family history of mental health conditions, especially disorders related to body image or anxiety, may increase the chance of developing bigorexia. Likewise, people with low self-esteem, perfectionism, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies are more vulnerable to developing this disorder.' Trauma and bullying are potential risk factors for bigorexia as well. 'Bodybuilders and other people who lift weights are at a higher risk than the general population,' Nagata said. 'Competitive athletes are more at risk than noncompetitive athletes. Athletes who lift weights to change the appearance of their bodies are at higher risk than those who focus on improving performance.' The experts who spoke to HuffPost agreed that one of the biggest factors contributing to the rise of bigorexia is the proliferation of social media. 'Not only are young people consuming body ideals from the media, but they feel pressure to produce content and display their own bodies on social media,' Nagata said. 'Men's bodies are on display more than ever on social media, especially through influencer accounts. Constant comparisons to these idealized bodies may lead to body dissatisfaction and bigorexia.' The overemphasis on an idealized physical appearance in media and advertising is particularly harmful for younger boys, who might not fully appreciate that influencers and celebrities actually make their livelihood off images of their bodies. It's a different reality that is unattainable (not to mention undesirable) for most people. 'TikTokers and other social media influencers are making millions of dollars by getting likes and followers, which they then invest in professional trainers, full-time chefs, and other experts to curate and maintain their image,' said Joseph J. Trunzo, a psychology professor and associate director of the School of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Bryant University in Rhode Island. He pointed to celebrities such as Hugh Jackman, who has trained for hours a day and even undergone supervised dehydration regimens to transform his body for screen roles. 'Most 15-year-old kids' do not think about these facts when they see images of Jackman looking ripped and instead might develop dissatisfaction with their own bodies, he explained. And that's not even taking into consideration the misleading role of filters, angles, poses, makeup, and editing in those images. 'Influencers may take thousands of images and pick the best one, with the best lighting or enhancements, to curate the ideal version of themselves,' Trunzo added. 'None of it is real. In short, we are constantly exposed to unrealistic, idealized, and glamorized versions of the human body at a rate that we have never experienced before. In the hands of an impressionable young person, this is a very dangerous dynamic and recipe for psychological disaster.' Comment sections also expose posters and viewers to harsh critiques about people's bodies, which can fuel more insecurity and low self-esteem. 'For those struggling with muscle dysmorphia, seeing pictures and messaging on social media may cause a person to have harmful thoughts about the need to change their body,' Gooding said. 'They may start to train more in the gym and worry about losing body fat to enhance their muscular bodies. Soon this training becomes excessive and obsessive.' What can parents do? There are many ways parents can help counteract the forces that fuel body image issues and psychological disorders like bigorexia. 'Limit social media consumption as much as possible, but recognize that you cannot eliminate it altogether,' Trunzo advised. 'Your child will be exposed to these images, so talk to them about what they are seeing. Listen to what they say, how they interpret what they see, make sure they understand the reality behind what they are viewing and are not 'buying' the image.' He also recommended emphasizing values of human worth and dignity that go beyond physical appearance. Focus on qualities like kindness, creativity, humor, etc. 'It's important to provide support by creating a safe space for open conversations,' Becker said. 'Be a positive role model by demonstrating a healthy attitude toward your own body and self-esteem.' Pay attention to the comments you make about your own bodies in front of your children and the attitudes toward exercise and food you're displaying. Be mindful of the kinds of messages your kids are getting from their entertainment and social media activity. 'Parents should challenge unhealthy and unhelpful messaging about 'perfect bodies' and social acceptance,' Gooding advised. 'Body diversity should be discussed and praised. Conversations surrounding exercise should include messages about proper fueling, refueling, rest, and balance in workouts.' When images of buff celebrities appear on your child's radar, provide context. 'I've been having conversations with my 9-year-old son like, 'Let's read what Hugh Jackman said about what he had to do to transform into Wolverine and look like this,'' said therapist Cherie Miller, who is CEO and clinical director at Nourished Soul Center for Healing. 'It's a chance to say, 'You know, this isn't normal, this isn't realistic, and this is not something that we should try to attain.'' She focuses on 'body respect' ― reminding her children that we care about our bodies and want to take care of them, so we do things like drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and eating a variety of foods. The goal is to avoid extremes and know that bodies are great because of the functions they serve in helping us live our lives. 'Talking about body diversity as a good and natural thing is important too,' Miller said. 'Life would be boring if we all looked the same. So isn't it great that we come at all sizes and shapes and colors. Look at all the different plants and animals in the world too.' If parents believe their child is being bullied or teased about their appearance, they should take action. 'Early intervention and treatment are vital to stopping the progression of muscle dysmorphia,' Gooding said. 'If a parent recognizes behavior that may cause concern for the child, parents should engage in conversation with their child about the thought process surrounding their exercise behavior.' Nagata shared some typical warning signs for muscle dysmorphia, urging parents to take note if their child develops a preoccupation or obsession with weight, food, exercise, or appearance in a manner that 'worsens their quality of life and impairs their social, school or daily functioning.' 'For instance, some boys spend all of their waking hours exercising and feel guilty if they are not at the gym,' he said. 'They may no longer eat with their families or friends because of rigid concerns about their nutrition and diet.' If you suspect your child is starting to struggle with bigorexia, know that they are not alone and there are resources that can help. 'Boys with muscle dysmorphia or eating disorders should seek professional help,' Nagata said. 'They can discuss these issues with a primary care pediatrician. Eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia are best supported by an interdisciplinary team including a mental health, medical, and nutrition provider.' Many professionals specialize in the treatment of body dysmorphia and even specifically muscle dysmorphia. Your child can learn to identify triggers, understand their thought process, and learn ways to cope. 'The earlier this is dealt with, the better,' Trunzo said. 'Left unchecked, the consequences can be life-altering.' This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Here's How To Talk To Your Kids About "Bigorexia" — A Scary Disorder That's On The Rise In Young Men
Parents today are generally aware of mental health conditions that relate to body image, including common disorders like anorexia. But experts warn a lesser-known issue is on the rise, particularly among boys: muscle dysmorphia, aka 'bigorexia.' 'Bigorexia is a psychological condition and type of body dysmorphic disorder which involves a distorted self-image that focuses specifically on muscle size and physical appearance,' Kara Becker, a certified eating disorder therapist and national director of eating disorder programs at Newport Healthcare, told HuffPost. With bigorexia, the afflicted person is obsessed with becoming more muscular and preoccupied with the idea that their body isn't brawny enough ― even if they actually have the physique of a bodybuilder. 'Individuals may have an inaccurate view of their bodies, often believing they are smaller or less muscular,' said Amy Gooding, a clinical psychologist at Eating Recovery Center, Baltimore. 'This belief and subsequent preoccupation can lead to unhealthy behaviors, including obsessive exercise, and may lead to changing one's eating to be as lean as possible.' Although muscle dysmorphia can affect anyone, it's more common in males, and research suggests the disorder is on the rise. A 2019 study indicated that 22% of adolescent boys engaged in 'muscularity-oriented disordered eating behaviors' in an attempt to bulk up or gain weight and found that supplements, dietary changes, and even steroid use were common among young adult males. 'Eating disorders in boys are often under-recognized and under-diagnosed, said Jason Nagata, a pediatrician specializing in eating disorders in boys and men, who co-authored the study. He noted that a recent Canadian study found that hospitalizations for eating disorders in male patients had risen dramatically since 2002. 'While there's more awareness around eating disorders, muscle dysmorphia can be overlooked for several reasons ― one reason being that it can lead to behaviors often encouraged in the weight room,' Gooding said. 'Lack of awareness of the disorder may lead to the disorder being missed in someone who is struggling, as this is one of the less well-known disorders. Those who struggle may hesitate to reach out for help due to shame, secrecy, or the normalization of the behaviors in the community.' What's fueling the rise of bigorexia in kids and young adults? 'There are many potential causes and influences, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that can contribute to the development of this disorder,' Becker said. 'A family history of mental health conditions, especially disorders related to body image or anxiety, may increase the chance of developing bigorexia. Likewise, people with low self-esteem, perfectionism, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies are more vulnerable to developing this disorder.' Trauma and bullying are potential risk factors for bigorexia as well. 'Bodybuilders and other people who lift weights are at a higher risk than the general population,' Nagata said. 'Competitive athletes are more at risk than noncompetitive athletes. Athletes who lift weights to change the appearance of their bodies are at higher risk than those who focus on improving performance.' The experts who spoke to HuffPost agreed that one of the biggest factors contributing to the rise of bigorexia is the proliferation of social media. 'Not only are young people consuming body ideals from the media, but they feel pressure to produce content and display their own bodies on social media,' Nagata said. 'Men's bodies are on display more than ever on social media, especially through influencer accounts. Constant comparisons to these idealized bodies may lead to body dissatisfaction and bigorexia.' The overemphasis on an idealized physical appearance in media and advertising is particularly harmful for younger boys, who might not fully appreciate that influencers and celebrities actually make their livelihood off images of their bodies. It's a different reality that is unattainable (not to mention undesirable) for most people. 'TikTokers and other social media influencers are making millions of dollars by getting likes and followers, which they then invest in professional trainers, full-time chefs, and other experts to curate and maintain their image,' said Joseph J. Trunzo, a psychology professor and associate director of the School of Health & Behavioral Sciences at Bryant University in Rhode Island. He pointed to celebrities such as Hugh Jackman, who has trained for hours a day and even undergone supervised dehydration regimens to transform his body for screen roles. 'Most 15-year-old kids' do not think about these facts when they see images of Jackman looking ripped and instead might develop dissatisfaction with their own bodies, he explained. And that's not even taking into consideration the misleading role of filters, angles, poses, makeup, and editing in those images. 'Influencers may take thousands of images and pick the best one, with the best lighting or enhancements, to curate the ideal version of themselves,' Trunzo added. 'None of it is real. In short, we are constantly exposed to unrealistic, idealized, and glamorized versions of the human body at a rate that we have never experienced before. In the hands of an impressionable young person, this is a very dangerous dynamic and recipe for psychological disaster.' Comment sections also expose posters and viewers to harsh critiques about people's bodies, which can fuel more insecurity and low self-esteem. 'For those struggling with muscle dysmorphia, seeing pictures and messaging on social media may cause a person to have harmful thoughts about the need to change their body,' Gooding said. 'They may start to train more in the gym and worry about losing body fat to enhance their muscular bodies. Soon this training becomes excessive and obsessive.' What can parents do? There are many ways parents can help counteract the forces that fuel body image issues and psychological disorders like bigorexia. 'Limit social media consumption as much as possible, but recognize that you cannot eliminate it altogether,' Trunzo advised. 'Your child will be exposed to these images, so talk to them about what they are seeing. Listen to what they say, how they interpret what they see, make sure they understand the reality behind what they are viewing and are not 'buying' the image.' He also recommended emphasizing values of human worth and dignity that go beyond physical appearance. Focus on qualities like kindness, creativity, humor, etc. 'It's important to provide support by creating a safe space for open conversations,' Becker said. 'Be a positive role model by demonstrating a healthy attitude toward your own body and self-esteem.' Pay attention to the comments you make about your own bodies in front of your children and the attitudes toward exercise and food you're displaying. Be mindful of the kinds of messages your kids are getting from their entertainment and social media activity. 'Parents should challenge unhealthy and unhelpful messaging about 'perfect bodies' and social acceptance,' Gooding advised. 'Body diversity should be discussed and praised. Conversations surrounding exercise should include messages about proper fueling, refueling, rest, and balance in workouts.' When images of buff celebrities appear on your child's radar, provide context. 'I've been having conversations with my 9-year-old son like, 'Let's read what Hugh Jackman said about what he had to do to transform into Wolverine and look like this,'' said therapist Cherie Miller, who is CEO and clinical director at Nourished Soul Center for Healing. 'It's a chance to say, 'You know, this isn't normal, this isn't realistic, and this is not something that we should try to attain.'' She focuses on 'body respect' ― reminding her children that we care about our bodies and want to take care of them, so we do things like drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and eating a variety of foods. The goal is to avoid extremes and know that bodies are great because of the functions they serve in helping us live our lives. 'Talking about body diversity as a good and natural thing is important too,' Miller said. 'Life would be boring if we all looked the same. So isn't it great that we come at all sizes and shapes and colors. Look at all the different plants and animals in the world too.' If parents believe their child is being bullied or teased about their appearance, they should take action. 'Early intervention and treatment are vital to stopping the progression of muscle dysmorphia,' Gooding said. 'If a parent recognizes behavior that may cause concern for the child, parents should engage in conversation with their child about the thought process surrounding their exercise behavior.' Nagata shared some typical warning signs for muscle dysmorphia, urging parents to take note if their child develops a preoccupation or obsession with weight, food, exercise, or appearance in a manner that 'worsens their quality of life and impairs their social, school or daily functioning.' 'For instance, some boys spend all of their waking hours exercising and feel guilty if they are not at the gym,' he said. 'They may no longer eat with their families or friends because of rigid concerns about their nutrition and diet.' If you suspect your child is starting to struggle with bigorexia, know that they are not alone and there are resources that can help. 'Boys with muscle dysmorphia or eating disorders should seek professional help,' Nagata said. 'They can discuss these issues with a primary care pediatrician. Eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia are best supported by an interdisciplinary team including a mental health, medical, and nutrition provider.' Many professionals specialize in the treatment of body dysmorphia and even specifically muscle dysmorphia. Your child can learn to identify triggers, understand their thought process, and learn ways to cope. 'The earlier this is dealt with, the better,' Trunzo said. 'Left unchecked, the consequences can be life-altering.' This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
