About this episode

Dr. Charlotte Markey discusses the challenges of raising body confident kids in a social media-driven world.

On this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino sits down with leading body image researcher Dr. Charlotte Markey, professor at Rutgers University and author of The Body Image Book for Girls , for a conversation about raising confident kids in a social media-saturated world. With nearly 30 years of research on body image, eating behaviours, puberty, and mental health, Dr. Markey unpacks the unprecedented pressures facing today’s tweens and teens — especially girls aged 9 to 15 — as they navigate hormonal changes alongside relentless digital comparison. From influencer culture and device use to bullying and shifting weight-loss trends, she explains how cultural ideals can distort self-perception and contribute to dieting, disordered eating, and low self-worth. This evidence-based discussion equips parents with tools to: Recognize early warning signs of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating Navigate puberty conversations beyond just physical changes Build media literacy and resilience in the age of social media Foster open communication about consent, relationships, and emotional health Create a body-positive home environment without overemphasizing…

People in this episode

Host: Lianne Castelino

Guest: Dr. Charlotte Markey

Topics covered

• body image
• diet culture
• social media
• parenting
• mental health
• eating disorders

Keywords

• body confidence
• social media impact
• eating behaviors
• puberty
• mental health
• disordered eating
• media literacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rutgers University

Books & works: The Body Image Book for Girls

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