If you're a parent, you’ve probably witnessed how deeply social media influences kids today. Maybe your child recently scrolled through TikTok or YouTube, saw a video about disordered eating, and came to you saying, "I think I have an eating disorder."

You may feel alarmed, confused, or unsure how to respond. At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we regularly walk alongside families in moments just like this. Here’s how you can thoughtfully approach this situation, and what steps you can take to support your child.

The Power—and Pitfalls—of Online Influence

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of content about mental health, including eating disorders. While some of it can promote awareness and reduce stigma, much of it is inaccurate, oversimplified, or even harmful.

It’s easy for kids and teens to identify with what they’re seeing online—especially if they’re already feeling insecure about their bodies, food, or self-worth. A short video or influencer’s story can lead them to believe they meet criteria for an eating disorder without a proper evaluation.

Start with Calm Curiosity

Your first response matters. Try not to panic, dismiss, or overreact. Instead, approach your child with openness and curiosity.

Ask gentle questions:

What made you think that?
Have you noticed any changes in how you eat or feel about food?
How long have you been feeling this way?
Do you want help making sense of what you’re experiencing?

The goal is to keep the door open. You may discover that your child is truly struggling—or that they’re trying to process confusing feelings after seeing something online.

When to Be Concerned

Not every concern voiced by a child means a clinical eating disorder is present—but it’s wise to pay attention. These signs may indicate a deeper issue:

Skipping meals or frequent dieting
Obsessively reading nutrition labels or counting calories
Anxiety around mealtimes
Constant body checking or negative self-talk
Hiding food or eating in secret
Sudden weight changes or extreme focus on weight

If you’re seeing one or more of these behaviors, it’s important to involve professionals who are trained in identifying and treating eating disorders.

How to Talk About It Without Shame

Your child needs to feel safe bringing concerns to you—even when those concerns are difficult. Be careful not to minimize what they’re feeling with comments like:

“You’re too young to have an eating disorder.”
“Everyone goes through phases like this.”

Instead, validate their feelings while also helping them gain clarity. You might say:

“Thank you for telling me. I’m here to support you, no matter what.”
“Let’s talk to someone who understands eating concerns and can help us figure this out together.”

At our practice in Argyle, we often see kids and teens who just need a safe space to talk things through—alongside parents who are doing their best to respond with love and wisdom.

Get Support from Trusted Professionals

If your child is concerned about disordered eating, the next best step is scheduling an evaluation with a licensed therapist or registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders. At Harvest Counseling & Wellness, we offer both counseling and nutrition therapy under one roof. Our team works together to assess what your child is experiencing and determine if they meet criteria for an eating disorder—or if they’re dealing with body image anxiety, restrictive tendencies, or other challenges.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you live in Argyle, Northlake, Flower Mound, Highland Village, or surrounding DFW communities, we’re here to help your family take the next right step.

Teaching Healthy Media Awareness

Alongside therapy or nutrition support, it’s helpful to teach your child how to critically engage with content online. Help them ask:

Is this account credible or just trendy?
Does this message promote true health or unrealistic expectations?
How does this content make me feel—about myself and my body?

Encourage breaks from social media, exposure to body-positive or neutral messaging, and real-life activities that build self-worth beyond appearance.

You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Failing

If your child thinks they have an eating disorder, it’s not a sign that you’ve failed as a parent. It means your child is paying attention to their thoughts and emotions—and trusting you enough to speak up. That’s something to build on.

Eating disorders and body image struggles are real, but so is hope. With early intervention and professional support, recovery is possible.

ARE YOU SEEKING SUPPORT WITH EATING DISORDERS OR DISORDERED EATING?

Harvest Counseling & Wellness is a Mental Health Counseling & Wellness Practice in Argyle, Texas. Our team includes a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in eating disorders and Licensed Therapists to help you in your journey. We provide support and counseling for children, teens, adults, and families struggling with issues related to eating disorders, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, bulimia, anorexia nervosa, ARFID, and more. Our office is located near Denton, Highland Village, Flower Mound, Lantana, Roanoke, and Justin. If you are looking for an eating disorder specialist or therapist in Denton or surrounding areas, contact us today for a complimentary phone consultation, 940-294-7061.