Digital Smarts - Resisting the Photoshop Effect

From magazines to Instagram, there seems to be a constant stream of images of perfect-looking men and women that fill our everyday lives. How can you prepare your kids to understand that these unrealistic faces and bodies are “touched up” so they don’t feel inadequate in comparison? An article on the Common Sense Media site entitled The Ugly Truth Behind Pretty Pictures discusses 6 different ways to approach the subject with your kids. One suggested idea is playing “spot the Photoshop” where you challenge your kids to spot the retouching on any ads or photos you come across. Or, let your kids use a free photo editor on your phone or computer to edit some pictures of themselves or you. It is pretty easy to make someone look better or worse very easily… just make sure to keep your sense of humor!