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Bikini Babies
Preteens and Summer Body Image
By Carma Haley
Females as young as 8 are more likely to develop an unhealthy body image with the presence of a negative influence. Whether that influence comes from friends, family or peers, simple comments can begin to change young girls' thoughts regarding their bodies.
"When a young girl plans on going to the pool or to a summertime activity, it all starts out very innocently," Shepard says. "However, if someone comments on her body, even a small comment, she may take it in a negative way and feel that she can no longer go to the pool or to this activity unless she looks good in a bathing suit or in the shorts. She may then develop a belief that she cannot return to the pool until she has starved herself or dieted extensively to lose weight and become the skinniest one there."
The concern over body shape and size can lead to life-threatening disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. And because girls of this age aren't yet fully developed, eating disorders can lead to other serious medical conditions.
"If a prepubescent girl takes part in these practices, it can delay every type of pubertal activity that would normally occur," Shepard says. "The development of a normal menses is delayed, and bone deterioration can begin. They don't grow as tall as they would normally. If they are not producing any fat – which, if they become bulimic or anorexic they wouldn't be – they are not producing any estrogen, which is where all the female complications begin."
It is very common to see cycles of concern related to body shape, size and weight in young girls. "These practices of placing the major concern on body image do decrease throughout the school year as they begin to delve into a routine they are accustomed to," Shepard says. "They are involved with friends, classes, and although the concern for body image remains, it becomes lower on the list of priorities."
