2026-07-13 / News

Childline is here this summer to support children on body image issues and eating disorders

Based on previous years, Childline is expecting an increase in contacts around body image this summer. We're here to support children via phone, email or 121 chat.

Last year Childline delivered more than 3,300 counselling sessions to children and young people with worries about body image and eating disorders.
Concerns peaked during the summer months, with almost 1,000 counselling sessions being delivered last June, July and August
Young people say influencers and trends such as calorie counting videos are affecting their body image.

Childline is anticipating a summer spike in children seeking support for body image issues and eating disorders.

Support from Childline about body image issues and eating disorders peaked over the summer months last year, with the service delivering almost 1,000 counselling sessions across June, July and August.That compares to 3,364 counselling sessions to young people about these problems from April 2025 to March 2026.

Children feel under pressure

The summer months leading into the school holidays can be a particularly challenging time for children and young people struggling with their body image or their relationship with food.

They speak to Childline about their fears of wearing certain clothes, including swimsuits, and how they feel under pressure to look a certain way.

Children and young people also mention comparing themselves to influencers they see online. Some spoke to Childline about watching what I eat in a day and calorie counting videos, which often promote unhealthy habits such as extreme calorie restriction.

One young person, aged 16, told the service: “I’ve had to delete social media; it was controlling my life comparing myself to others for hours. I couldn’t stop looking up weight loss videos on YouTube or weight loss transformations on Instagram.” *

Another girl, aged 12 said: “This girl at school would always call me fat. My friends are all skinny, the girls I see on TikTok are skinny. I started purging and skipping meals last year and I’m finally skinny, but mum finally noticed and gets angry when I don’t eat properly. I can’t go back to eating 3 meals a day again, I can’t go back to being fat.” *

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: "With the warm weather continuing and families planning their summer holidays, young people might be finding themselves in positions where they feel anxious about their body.

“To cope, some young people are taking drastic measures, such as restricting their food intake or, in some instances, developing disordered eating behaviours. Children are also telling us that unrealistic beauty standards are affecting their wellbeing and self-worth, with many comparing themselves to others, particularly influencers on social media.

"Childline wants every young person to know that whatever they're going through our trained counsellors are here to listen without judgment. Seeking help is always a sign of strength, not weakness."

Last year, social media platform, TikTok, banned the hashtag #SkinnyTok in an effort to prevent young people being exposed to dangerous eating disorder content. In spite of this, Childline is still hearing from young people who are watching these types of videos on TikTok and other platforms.

How to encourage a healthy body image in children

1. Model positive body talk

Be mindful of how you speak about your own body and other people’s bodies in front of your children. Avoid negative comments about weight, appearance, or comparing yourself to others, as children often copy what they hear.

2. Focus conversations on health and wellbeing, not appearance

When discussing food and exercise, emphasise feeling strong, energetic, and healthy rather than looking a certain way. Celebrate what bodies can do rather than just how they look.

3. Take concerns seriously and listen without judgment

If your child expresses worry about their body or eating habits, avoid dismissing their feelings or saying "you look fine". Listen carefully and offer support, consider seeking professional help if needed.

4. Discuss what they see in the media

Help your child understand that images online and in media are often edited or unrealistic. Encourage critical thinking about what they see and limit exposure to content that promotes unrealistic beauty standards.

5. Watch for warning signs

Be alert to changes in your child's eating habits, mood, exercise patterns, or social withdrawal. Early intervention is important, so don't hesitate to seek professional support if you notice concerning behaviours around food or body image. Adults can contact the NSPCC Helpline with any concerns about a child.

*Snapshots are based on real Childline service users but are not necessarily direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child or young person involved.

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Our trained counsellors are here for children up to and including the age of 18 on the phone, via email, and through 121 chat.

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