Wednesday Wisdom Tip: Know the Effects of Selfie Trends on Our Kids
The winner from yesterday’s post, Helping You Put on Your Best Outfit, of the of the Magnetic book and bracelet, is Patricia B who posted at 5:05 p.m. at 9/30/2014. Congratulations, Patricia!
We’ve seen our kids take them and we take them too!
The selfie…
They seem so fun and innocent…and I am sure most of the time they are. But my research this weekend revealed something we might not have expected.
According to a new study by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the rise of ‘selfies’ is having a huge impact in the facial plastic surgery industry. Here’s some scary statistics we should be concerned about:
* 1 in 3 surgeons saw an increase due to patients being more self aware of looks in social media.
* 13% of doctors surveyed identified patients’ dissatisfaction with their own image on social media sites as a rising trend in practice.
* 10% – the increase in rhinoplasty in 2013 over 2012
“Social platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and the iPhone app Selfie.im, which are solely image based, force patients to hold a microscope up to their own image and often look at it with a more self-critical eye than ever before,” says Edward Farrior, MD, President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. “These images are often the first impressions young people put out there to prospective friends, romantic interests and employers and our patients want to put their best face forward.” – “Selfie Trend Increases Demands for Facial Plastic Surgery”
It’s important for us to be aware of this growing trend and respond to it.
First, let’s be mindful to be positive about our own body image. Seemingly small comments about our size and shape are soaking in to the hearts and minds of our kids. They are listening to the comments we make – good and bad.
Next, being over focused on their appearance is having long term effects on our children’s self-esteem. Let’s open up dialogue with our kids and draw this topic of self-awareness and body image out in the open. Ask questions about how they view themselves and help them embrace the beauty God has given each and every one of them! Try memorizing scripture together and holding each other accountable for the words you use to describe your bodies.
As a woman who never had a positive self-image growing up, I have made it my mission to let every young girl I encounter,(especially my own 3 daughters) know how beautiful they are & that God created them for something special. So many choices I have made might have been different if I had someone telling me those things when I was younger.
I love that you are DOING something, Vicki, to change the lives of girls! Thank you!
As my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter grows up I want her to know God and to be a Godly woman. I am seeking enlightening books and knowledge that I can pass on to her as she grows. Besides loving her with all my heart I want her to have good self esteem and know God the way he wants her to know him. Because of this I have become more involved in our church community and it is a wonderful experience. I am sure this book will help. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Thank you so much for being intentional in your granddaughter’s life, Julie! You will make a difference!