Prom season can increase body image anxiety for some teens, according to a recent report. Prom is a major event on the high school calendar, often seen as a highlight for seniors. Many teens spend weeks or even months preparing for the event, choosing outfits, experimenting with hairstyles and makeup, and sometimes wearing their first formal suit or dress. While this can be an exciting time, it can also bring pressure to look a certain way, leading to increased anxiety about appearance. Body image refers to how individuals think about and feel about their physical appearance. It includes thoughts about weight, shape, skin, hair, and other features, as well as how one believes others perceive them. Social media can play a big role in shaping these views, as teens often compare themselves to friends, influencers, and celebrities. These comparisons can make it harder for some teens to feel they meet beauty standards, and these feelings can become more intense during prom season. In the days leading up to prom, teens might scroll through many images of outfits, makeup looks, and "prom transformations," which are before-and-after photos showing how they look when getting ready. These images can create expectations about how someone "should" look at prom. Signs that a teen might need support include speaking negatively about their body, comparing themselves to others, or avoiding shopping for an outfit. It's also important to notice changes in eating habits or exercise routines, as some teens might skip meals or exercise more to change their appearance before the event. Parents can help by starting conversations about these concerns in a supportive way. For example, they might say, "I've noticed you seem worried about how you'll look at prom. Tell me what's on your mind." Encouraging teens to question where their ideas about beauty come from can be helpful. Parents can also guide teens to reflect on social media content and consider unfollowing accounts that make them feel worse. It's important to avoid dismissive comments like "you look beautiful," which can reinforce the idea that appearance is the most important thing. Prom is meant to be a fun and memorable event, not a competition about looks. Reminding teens that their appearance is just one part of who they are can help them focus on the experience of being with friends and creating lasting memories. Parents can model this by avoiding criticism of their own bodies or others' weight, and by emphasizing that the goal of prom is to celebrate and enjoy the moment, not to achieve perfection in appearance.