We live in a society with rigid and enslaving aesthetic standards, which influence teenagers and can put them in situations of physical, emotional and psychological risk. The body undergoes changes throughout life, but it is during puberty that these changes are most significant, dynamic and distressing.

These changes occur quickly and out of control, regardless of the will and visible to everyone, who watches them relatively passively, without being able to prevent them. The body loses its harmony and becomes disproportionate until it finds balance, which generates insecurities and fears, and interferes with behavior and self-esteem. It can also lead to mood swings, relationship difficulties and pathological situations such as obesity, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, depression and life-threatening drug use. Appearance worries teenagers and their families, as it is the visible thermometer of their emotional state. They start to attach importance to pimples, scars, blemishes, hair, body hair, in short, to their future image. Many people use their bodies to challenge, criticize society’s standards, express opinions or feelings, etc.

Furthermore, awareness of sexuality forces adolescents to assume their sexual function within pre-established standards that are not always the most natural and physiological. Our adolescents look up to their idols: artists, singers, athletes, teachers, doctors, uncles, cousins, fathers, mothers, anyone can be their role models. We must be attentive to assist and guide them, minimizing the harmful effects of this society that values ​​an aesthetic that is not always consistent with our ethnic and cultural standards.