Multitudes of males grapple with self-image concerns related to their bodies
In a groundbreaking move, the Scottish Government is addressing the growing concern of body image issues and their impact on men's mental health, particularly in relation to social media influences.
According to a survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, nearly one in five men (19%) admitted to feeling shame due to body image issues in the last year. Over a third (34%) of the respondents reported that their body image had a negative impact on their self-esteem, and more than one in ten (12%) revealed they have experienced suicidal thoughts and feelings because of body image issues. The survey, carried out with YouGov, polled 1012 Scottish adults aged 18 and above, and the figures have been weighted to be representative of all Scottish adults.
MHF Scotland, who currently co-chairs the Scottish Government's Body Image Advisory Group, is calling on the government and relevant industries to take action. Julie, from MHF Scotland, believes that body image issues in men are becoming more pronounced and society can reduce pressures on men to improve their mental health.
MHF Scotland is specifically calling for the regulation of social media. They are asking social media companies to sign the Be Real Campaign's Body Image Pledge and investigate new ways of promoting positive body image. The organisations are also encouraging social media companies to give users greater control over the content they see in an accessible way.
Moreover, they are asking social media companies to have clear systems for users to report bullying and discrimination and set targets for action. Hundreds of thousands of men across Scotland have struggled with body image issues, and the Mental Health Foundation aims to help reduce these numbers.
One man who struggles with his body image is Paul Browett (36) from Glasgow. He attributes his insecurities to the rise of social media and online advertising. Society's reaction to a man's body image is often met with jokes, sarcasm, or put downs, according to Paul.
The Scottish Government is actively addressing these issues. They have committed to a 10-year Mental Health Strategy, implementing 40 actions to improve mental health services' access and ensure early intervention. Among these, the initiative Mind Yer Time provides children and young people with guidance on social media use, screen time, sleep, and how these factors influence body image and mental wellbeing.
Recognizing the critical impact of digital media, Scottish mental health support emphasizes educating youth on managing social media effects, likely targeting the unrealistic body standards often promoted on platforms and reality TV. This includes adapting services to current media realities to help mitigate negative mental health outcomes.
The government is enhancing mental health care through digital means such as expanding NHS24 Breathing Space services and increasing online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) resources. Such improvements facilitate easier access for all, including men struggling with body image issues exacerbated by media portrayals.
Scotland’s health reform frameworks emphasize prevention and early intervention to tackle root causes of poor health, including mental health. Collaboration with public service partners and community engagement is central, which can help address broader societal influences on body image.
In summary, the Scottish Government’s multifaceted approach involves raising awareness, direct mental health support, and leveraging digital tools to help men and others manage the psychological effects of body image pressures fueled by social media and possibly reality TV content. These actions are part of broader health and social care reforms and mental wellbeing initiatives.
- The Mental Health Foundation (MHF Scotland) has urged the Scottish Government and relevant industries to address growing body image issues in men, which they believe are influenced by social media, by regulating these platforms, asking them to sign the Be Real Campaign's Body Image Pledge, and encouraging them to give users control over content.
- MHF Scotland has also asked social media companies to set targets for action, report bullying and discrimination, and provide resources for promoting positive body image and mental health.
- Recognizing the critical impact of digital media on mental health, Scotland's mental health support is focusing on educating youth on managing social media effects and adapting services to current media realities.
- As part of their 10-year Mental Health Strategy, the Scottish Government is implementing initiatives like Mind Yer Time, which provides guidance on social media use, screen time, sleep, and body image to children and young people, aiming to reduce the number of men struggling with body image issues.
