Looks and body image
Everyone thinks about what they look like, and today body image seems very important - women want to be thinner and men want to be more muscular. But although it's good to be a healthy size, unless we can learn to be comfortable with how we look it can lead to problems such as anxiety, ill health and eating disorders.
Changing bodies
Puberty is time during which a child's body develops into an adult; this includes physical changes but can also affect emotions and moods.
- Understanding what changes will happen makes it easier to cope
- Everyone changes at their own time usually between age 8 to 16
Tanning
There is no such thing as a healthy tan, the sun's UV rays are
harmful so always use a sunscreen.
Under 16s are not allowed to use sunbeds and there is an increased
risk of skin cancer if you use sunbeds.
Fake tans work if applied carefully.
Piercing and tattoos
There are no legal restrictions in the UK on the age you may have
piercings although some piercing salons set a minmium age. You have
to be 18 or over to have a tattoo. If you do decide to have a
piercing or tattoo, consider:
- Because of the risk of infection make sure you use a reputable, professional shop.
- Research the salon very carefully to make sure they are hygienic and skilled
- Consider your decision carefully as tattoo removal is expensive and can cause permanent damage
Cosmetic surgery
There are lots of different types of cosmetic surgery available at different prices. Some cosmetic surgery is permanent and you can't reverse the process. Before considering this, find out as much as you can and think about why you want it.
For more information:
http://www.ruthinking.co.uk/ Information about
sex and relationships
http://www.likeitis.org/ Information about sex,
peer pressure and puberty
http://www.thesite.org/ Wide range of
information on a number of topics
Click here to find out about eating disorders.
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