Caerphilly community members are rallying against what they view as unrealistic appearance standards propagated via online channels, which they say can lead to reduced self-esteem and bullying.

Representatives from the Caerphilly Youth Forum chose body positivity alongside physical and mental wellness as their primary theme for the upcoming year, following a vote that saw participation from more than 2,000 individuals.

Megan Roberts, who heads the forum, explained that encouraging exercise, healthy dietary choices and proper nutrition to aid mental wellbeing also forms part of their mission.

Vice-chair Ryan Bethell-Karouach addressed Caerphilly County Borough Council’s education committee about the difficulties created by the messages social media transmits to young users concerning self-image.

He observed that the majority of material visible on online platforms fails to represent reality, which may lead young people to experience dissatisfaction with their looks and in some instances triggers harassment.

Ryan clarified to the committee that body positivity — the forum’s chosen subject for 2026 — centres on valuing every physique regardless of form, size, skin tone or physical abilities.

This entails challenging the digitally-altered beauty standards showcased on the internet and recognising that a person’s worth is not determined by their outward appearance, he added.

Megan and Ryan explained that members took part in a region-wide consultation, assembling a shortlist of five subjects before body positivity won through an electronic voting system.

Committee members received evidence about the obstacles young people face when attempting to purchase nutritious food and gym subscriptions, as well as challenges accessing mental health support during stressful exam periods.

Megan recognised that the forum must assess practical measures to address this priority, including approaches to increase awareness among decision-makers and urging them to consider carefully when shaping their policies.

Youth Forum coordinator Lee Kabza mentioned that the forum’s first meeting regarding the new priority proved beneficial, with an initial idea being the potential development of a smartphone application for young users, providing advice on healthy cooking, personal wellness routines, relaxation time and links to local mental health and support services.

Other topics that reached the final shortlist for voting included educational opportunities past age 16, safe community spaces, relationships education, and fire safety risks.

The forum intends to present its 2026 action plan at a council cabinet meeting scheduled for May.