Submitted by an anonymous Howard County college student.
Hey Teens! As you might know from social media, friends, or TV, summer break is often portrayed as the perfect time for a “glow-up”, or a total transformation where teens are expected to improve their appearance, get fit, and rebrand themselves before returning to school. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, this pressure is amplified by influencers and persistent “before and after” trends. But behind the filters and fast edits lies a real mental health concern: the toll that body image pressure takes on teens during a time when they’re already vulnerable.
The Summer Struggle No One Talks About
While being out of school offers you freedom from the monotony of homework, it can also come with increased isolation and loneliness. Without the built-in structure of school, some teens report feeling disconnected or left out, especially when social media is filled with images of friends on vacation, “getting fit,” or showing off their “summer bodies.”
In fact, studies show that teens who spend more time online over the summer are at higher risk for body dissatisfaction and anxiety, particularly when they compare themselves to curated, unrealistic content. According to Common Sense Media, 80% of teens say social media makes them feel pressured about their appearance. The pressure to be “perfect” can slowly chip away at your self-worth, even if you logically know those images are edited or filtered.
Add to that the feeling that “everyone else is out doing something amazing,” and it’s no surprise that summer can leave some teens feeling like they don’t measure up. Whether it be a friend’s internship, a relative’s vacation, or an influencer’s day in the life, these comparisons can have a detriment on your well-being. It could cause a cycle of comparison, self-criticism, and emotional burnout, all during a season that’s supposed to be relaxing.
Helping Yourself Beat the “Glow-Up” Pressure
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to look a certain way this summer, you’re not alone and there are things you can do to protect your mental health:
- Remind yourself that social media isn’t reality. Filters, angles, and editing can drastically change how people look online. Try unfollowing accounts that make you feel worse about yourself.
- Focus on how you feel, not how you look. Moving your body through weightlifting, dancing, walking, or sports should make you feel good, not like a punishment to “fix” something.
- Spend more time offline. Take breaks from your phone and do something that brings you joy, like drawing, reading, hanging out with a pet, or learning something new.
- Talk to someone you trust. If you’re struggling, don’t bottle it up. A friend, parent, sibling, or school counselor can be a great source of support.
- Celebrate what makes you unique. Make a list of qualities you love about yourself—especially the non-physical ones like your humor, loyalty, or creativity.
Helpful Resource: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/building-a-better-body-image-as-an-adult
If you’re interested in more programming by HC DrugFree, check out our Life Skills courses for middle and high schoolers! We have lessons geared specifically on goal setting, positive self-image, and confidence that can help you take the first steps!
You don’t need to “glow up” to be valuable. You already are. Let this summer be about caring for your mind and body, on your terms.
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