What do teens see when they look in the mirror? Regardless of how closely their actual bodies match their perception, teenagers' body image can dramatically affect their self-esteem, eating and exercise habits, relationships with others and ultimately their health. Using the Teen Truth signature "video by students for students" style, the video captures real teens, parents, physicians, a coach and an entertainment professional discussing how celebrities, media, sports and peers influence one's body image and may lead to dangerous habits. Three compelling personal stories reveal how peer and media influences drove these teens to engage in life-threatening behaviours. These stories include teasing and exclusion led Emily to develop an eating disorder and Kayla to binge eat her way to obesity, while Nolan's desire to be bigger, stronger and faster ended in health hazards due to his performance enhancing drug use. A father's sobering account of how steroids claimed the life of his baseball star son drives home the seriousness of this issue. In the end, the film challenges viewers to think differently about how they see their body image and the body image of others. Ultimately it empowers teens to find true strength and self-acceptance from within.
A teacher's guide is available.