Male teens and body image: what are your biggest fears and insecurities? | Body image | The Guardian
A new survey finds male teenagers struggle just as much as female ones when it comes to how they look. Share your experiences<br>
Overview
Added
March 5, 2026
Related situation
Audience
learner
Grade range
Grade 9 (Freshman)–Grade 12 (Senior)
Page kind
Article
Introduction
Male Teens and Body Image Survey
- Core Finding: A Credos survey of over 1,000 secondary-school students indicates that body image issues and insecurities are prevalent among young men, challenging the perception that these concerns primarily affect women.
- Key Statistics:
- 56% of students view eating disorders as a gender-neutral issue.
- 55% would consider altering their diet to improve their appearance.
- 23% believe in the existence of a "perfect male body."
- Communication Barriers: Many young men struggle to discuss body image concerns with adults, with over 50% finding it difficult to talk to teachers and 29% struggling to open up to parents.
- Primary Influencers: The pressure to conform to specific body standards is driven by friends, social media, advertising, and celebrities.
- Call for Participation: The Guardian is soliciting personal experiences from young men (aged 16+) regarding their exercise habits, dieting, and perceptions of the "perfect male body" for a future article.
- Privacy Assurance: The publication guarantees that no personal details will be shared or published without explicit permission from contributors.
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