Farah Khan on daughters feeling ‘very ugly’: Why appearance insecurity can affect teenagers
Teenage years often bring a heightened awareness of one's appearance, leading to insecurity that can affect teenagers' confidence, friendships, and self-perception. Social media, beauty standards, and constant exposure to idealized images can exacerbate these concerns.
Farah Khan, a filmmaker and YouTuber, shared her own experience of her daughters feeling "very ugly" during a conversation. Both her daughters concur, stating that they too feel ugly. Farah reassures them that they are "very cute" and reminds them of their beauty, even without makeup, when seen on television.
According to Sonal Khangarot, a licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, negative body image typically emerges due to a mix of developmental, social, and psychological factors. Puberty triggers rapid physical changes, making teenagers feel unfamiliar in their bodies. They also become increasingly aware of how they are perceived by others, intensifying self-consciousness, especially when comparing themselves to peers or online images.
Khangarot emphasizes that body image is not always an accurate reflection of appearance, as it is heavily influenced by self-esteem, attention, and interpretation. Educating young people on media literacy, challenging unrealistic standards, and fostering a sense of identity beyond appearance can help them develop a healthier relationship with themselves.
When responding to a child who expresses feelings of ugliness, the focus should be on validating their emotions rather than immediately reassuring them of their attractiveness. Parents can gently explore what triggered the feeling and shift the conversation towards qualities unrelated to appearance. Avoid dismissing their feelings or providing excessive reassurance, as this may inadvertently teach them that attractiveness is the key to acceptance.
Modeling a healthy relationship with appearance and being attentive to persistent or intense appearance-related concerns is crucial.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
