NEW statistics show there has been an increasing number of people contacting Childline in regards to eating disorders and mental health issues brought about by body image.

But is social media the roots of this ever-growing problem? Many people spend a lot of time on social platforms, sharing memories and keeping in touch with friends and relatives, but is it becoming something entirely different and more than just a way to stay connected?

Every day people post photos of themselves, hoping for 'likes' in need of approval from others.

In addition, we are bombarded daily by a myriad pictures of the ‘perfect’ person.

This constant reinforcement gives us a new sense of what is 'normal'.

Popular instagrammers are seen as ideal figures and if we do not live up to these unrealistic interpretation then we have somehow failed. This can lead to numerous problems with people seeing beauty as only skin-deep.

Some celebrities may also be part of the problem. Despite having lots of money, personal trainers and a wealth of resources at their fingertips they often fuel this ‘flawless’ figurative idea as effortless and normal and are feeding this to the younger generations.

It may not be bad thing that people take pride in their appearance, it is just that it can go too far. As illustrated by the growing numbers of children and teenagers who are communicating with Childline with issues relating to body image and eating disorders.

By Emily Montgomery