Body shaming has become a popular topic among teenagers within the last year.

Body shaming is defined as having negative comments toward one’s or others’ outer and inner appearance.

Whether it is about one’s weight, one’s size, or undermining one’s intelligence, or even talents, body shaming is degrading toward all victims.

Teenagers seem to feel intimidated by models and those of fame, but we often forget those images are not always real.

The woman seen in the magazine who has the perfect body, with no stretch marks, body fat, or what we call imperfections, well, she does not exist. That image we all seem to praise has, most likely, been altered completely.

The man seen on TV with the perfect six-pack, toned muscles, and standing over 6 feet tall, well, he does not exist either. He was once considered a normal looking person, until his image underwent editing.

Many of us seem to compare ourselves to these images, as if something is wrong with us. But nothing can be wrong with anyone.

We are all beautiful works of art, just with different patterns, or different colors, and different designs.

No work of art is like the next, and that is what makes it beautiful.

Confidence is the key to putting an end to body shaming.

Once people are confident with themselves, they do not see what is wrong with them, but instead see all that is right. And once people are completely confident with themselves, they no longer need to point out the insecurities of others to make them feel more secure.

It is a domino effect of confidence, ending body shaming completely.

Mrs. Amy Graham, health teacher, feels strongly about the act of body shaming.

“Three words: low self-esteem,” Graham said. “Body shaming is trying to compare yourself to the photoshopped perfection in magazines.”

It is even believed that body shaming can be detrimental to one’s health.

“Most definitely it could damage a person,” Graham said. “It could lead to eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia or even cause one to self harm.”

Junior Nickole Sarginson feels that confidence is the cure to putting an end to body shaming.

“Confidence is extremely important,” Sarginson said. “I feel as though when I carry myself with confidence people look at me in a better light, and my mother always taught me to carry myself well.

“I feel as though no matter what I’m wearing there is some way I can make it look good as long as I feel pretty in it myself. Why shouldn’t I be confident? Why shouldn’t we all be confident?”

It all begins with us, but there are other ways to end this current act.

Graham said, “To put an end to body shaming I think everyone has to be involved, but mainly, magazines need to put realistic pictures of men and women (in them) to help.”

Once people get an idea of what they think is perfection, they believe they are imperfect.

We all have our own idea of perfection. Why don’t we make that idea ourselves?

Be proud of the body and mind you were given. Every aspect of it makes each of us special in some way.