A recent spotlight on children’s body image, highlighted by The Guardian’s feature “‘Mummy, Charlie called me fat today’: how to talk to kids about body image,” has reignited concern about how body shaming affects youngsters’ self-esteem worldwide—including here in Thailand. As schoolyard taunts become increasingly common and social media deepens pressure on appearance, experts stress that how adults respond can have profound implications for a child’s mental health and future relationship with their body.
Body image issues among children are not new, but their intensity appears to be rising in the age of smartphones and relentless exposure to unrealistic beauty standards. A 2021 World Health Organization report found that nearly one in three children in Southeast Asia had experienced some form of weight-based teasing or bullying, leading to increased risks of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating later in life (WHO). In Thailand, similar concerns have emerged, with recent studies indicating a steady rise in both childhood obesity and eating disorders over the past decade (Thai Journal of Pediatrics).
The Guardian article brings to light stories that resonate deeply in Thai society: a primary school pupil comes home upset because a classmate called them “fat,” prompting anxious questions from parents about the right response. Health professionals and educators have stressed that well-intentioned reactions—such as immediately insisting the child isn’t overweight—may unintentionally reinforce harmful concepts about body size and self-worth. Instead, specialists recommend supportive discussions that focus on healthy behaviors, resilience, and self-appreciation, rather than mere appearance (Royal College of Psychiatrists, Harvard Health).
“Children are remarkably attuned to comments about weight from both peers and adults,” explains a child psychologist affiliated with Mahidol University. “Our research shows that early negative experiences can set the tone for lifelong insecurities. In Thai culture, where affectionate teasing about weight is common in families, it’s vital for adults to understand the potential harm and choose their words carefully.”
Cultural context is especially relevant in Thailand, where body size is often discussed openly—even affectionately—among relatives and friends. The phrase “อ้วนแล้วนะ” (“You’re getting chubby”) may be delivered with a smile but can cut deeply, especially when echoed by peers in the classroom. The rapid westernization of beauty standards through social media intensifies local pressures: image-centric apps like Instagram and TikTok have elevated thinness and certain body types as aspirational ideals (Thai PBS). As a result, even young children are showing signs of body dissatisfaction at rates once seen only among teens.
To counter these effects, international and Thai experts alike advocate for a shift in discourse. Guidelines emerging from recent research urge parents to avoid labeling foods as strictly “good” or “bad” or using weight as a metric of worthiness. “Focus on what bodies can do, not just how they look,” recommends a nutritionist with the Ministry of Public Health. This means complimenting children for their strength, kindness, or creativity rather than size or shape.
Scholars also note the importance of listening to a child’s concerns without trivializing them. “If a child says, ‘Charlie called me fat,’ an empathetic response could be, ‘I’m sorry that hurt your feelings. Can you tell me more about what happened?’” suggests a senior lecturer in education at Chulalongkorn University. Such responses validate children’s emotions and invite further conversation, reducing the risk of shame-driven silence.
Thailand’s Ministry of Education has begun to recognize the implications for classroom well-being. In 2024, the agency piloted a “Respect All Bodies” module in select primary schools in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, aiming to foster acceptance and counteract bullying. Preliminary feedback from teachers suggests students became more aware of the impact of their words, though challenges remain in shifting deeply entrenched attitudes.
The impact of body image on children is not restricted to emotional well-being. Studies in Thai adolescents link negative body image to lower participation in sports and higher rates of risky dieting behaviors, which may lead to malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies (Journal of Adolescent Health). Nutrition experts caution against extreme diets, especially for growing bodies that require a balanced intake of nutrients for physical and cognitive development (Thai Ministry of Public Health).
Families remain the first line of defense. The Royal College of Pediatrics of Thailand suggests these practical steps:
- Model healthy behaviors: Speak positively about your own body and avoid criticizing others based on appearance.
- Encourage open communication: Make it clear that your child can talk about their feelings without fear of judgment.
- Focus on healthy activity: Promote exercise as a source of fun and strength, not simply weight loss.
- Diversify media: Expose children to a wide range of body types in books, movies, and television shows to normalize difference.
- Collaborate with schools: Encourage educators to intervene in teasing and to incorporate lessons on self-esteem and body acceptance.
If a child shows signs of persistent distress—such as avoiding social situations, extreme food restriction, or preoccupation with appearance—parents are encouraged to consult school counselors, mental health professionals, or pediatricians, many of whom now have dedicated training in identifying early warning signs of eating disorders and anxiety.
Looking ahead, there is cautious optimism that greater awareness and open dialogue will help the next generation of Thai children build healthier, more resilient relationships with their bodies. However, advocates caution that sustained progress requires continued cooperation among families, schools, healthcare providers, and the media to challenge harmful beauty ideals and promote acceptance. Without collective action, the mental and physical health risks associated with childhood body image struggles may continue to rise.
For Thai parents and educators confronting these issues, the message is clear: meaningful conversations, grounded in empathy and reinforced by positive examples, can make all the difference. By equipping children with tools for resilience today, society lays the groundwork for a healthier, more inclusive future.
For further reading and support, Thai readers can access additional resources and expert advice at Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Ministry of Public Health.