September 2009     A survey of almost 2,000 Australian teens has revealed that the vast majority have anxiety over their own body images and the unhealthy images being promoted, with only a quarter (27%) of Australian teens claiming they are happy when they look in the mirror.  A significant 33% of teens have had an eating disorder, or have known someone with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.

The findings are part of an online survey of 1, 957 Australians aged 12 to 18 years old (Generation Z) released today by Habbo, a popular online playground for teenagers.

When asked whether unhealthy body images are depicted in society, half the respondents said yes and a further 38% said sometimes. The following channels were voted as responsible for promoting unhealthy body images:
Media – 43%
Models – 27%
Friends – 7%
Schools – 6%
Parents – 5%
Body builders - 5%

The results released ahead of National Body Image Awareness Week 31 August - 6 September, also give insight into Australian teens’ understanding of body image issues and how they should be best addressed. Many teens appear conflicted when it comes to their personal anxiety about body image, and their ideals about healthy body image.  For example, a quarter of respondents believe that an ideal body image is “any size” and that it depends on the person, a further 24% said “any weight with a healthy BMI index”, whilst 13% said a little bit of fat never hurt anyone.  

Australian teens (32%) believe that ensuring healthy sized models and ambassadors are used in all media is the best way to increase awareness about a healthy body image. A close second (31%) was the suggestion of more education in schools, followed by showing programs on television that promotes a healthy outlook (13%).

Other key findings from the survey include:

• A significant proportion (36%) of teens have experienced bullying about their body image – either personally or through their friends experiences.  They believe that it is a main contributor to my/their insecurities.
• Nearly a quarter (21%) of respondents have dieted to be healthier, 13% believed they could lose a few kilos and 4% said it was because someone at school told them they need to lose weight,  4% said their friends or family were dieting and 4% wanted to tone up.
• Three quarters of teens recognise that eating disorders isn’t just a girl’s issue.
• Teens believe being healthy and active is important, the majority (43%) enjoy the feeling of eating well and exercise and 40%, said it was important but they are not always that careful.
• Over half (51%) the respondents said they would try to talk to a family member or friend and see if they can help, if they had an eating disorder, 27% would tell a responsible adult, parent, teacher or counsellor.

Ngaire Stevens, Business Development Manager, Sulake & Habbo, explains “The results from the Habbo Body Image Survey suggest that teens in Generation Z are wary of the pressures around them to have a certain type of body image. They realise that the body images being promoted are unhealthy and that to be healthy is not necessarily to be skinny.  The concerning thing is that they are still dieting, they are not happy with their own body images and they feel pressure to adhere to what’s being promoted in the media and other channels of influence.  

“Generation Z is an extremely aware generation and they are calling for healthier body images to be promoted.  Some of the ideas they have been identified include promoting healthier size models and ambassadors or television programs that promote a healthy outlook. Australian teens are well educated about the dangers of eating disorders, however the fact that 33% have had or have known someone with an eating disorder, with a further 18% suspecting a friend, is extremely concerning.  The initiatives currently in place are clearly not having a significant enough impact. ” said Stevens.

Study results released by Habbo, September 3 2009. Media Release.

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