Abstract
The increased time spent online and the growth of social networking among teenagers are associated with a heightened risk of online body shaming, eliciting diverse negative responses. Understanding how these responses vary with age remains an area requiring further exploration. This research investigates age-related variations in the prevalence of reactions to online body shaming among teenagers aged 11–17. Findings indicate distinct trends in the prevalence of responses across different age groups, with early teenagers (11–13 years) commonly experiencing somatic difficulties, intense negative emotions, and a propensity to withdraw from social interactions. Conversely, an escalation in drug use, diminished trust, and a rise in negative thoughts and uncontrollable emotions are noted among middle to late teenagers (14–17 years). Additionally, the occurrence of negative responses is markedly higher in girls than in boys. These insights underscore the importance of tailoring prevention programs and interventions to address the specific needs and experiences of teenagers at various stages of adolescence. The study provides significant implications for future research and practitioners working with youth to mitigate the adverse effects of online body shaming.