Guiding kids through social media will be a defining journey for most parents of tweens. When are they ready for online access? which platforms are appropriate? how old is old enough to have their own phone??... The fact is young brains are developing brains and decisions around online access and how much when will hardly make you popular as your tween gets older and more interested in their own online world.
Without a doubt kids will eventually access imagery online that isn't appropriate for them to see, whether it's because of their own curiosity or because they see it on the school bus, at a sleepover, from older kids at school. Phones in everybody's hands mean talking about bodies should happen BEFORE they perhaps show any physical signs of puberty.
Including illustrations in EVRYBODY packs will not always make parents comfortable but there should be resources that find a way to show kids what real bodies look like without attaching any shame to the topic. The irony of navigating social media to promote EVRYBODY is that I walk a fine line between showing what the content of the cards involves while trying hard to not be flagged for that same inappropriate content. But your tween could go on any mainstream platform and view content so close to be classed as pornographic that even in the 'safe' apps there's a risk we take as parents letting them be online.
I knew that even if a had time to be completely engaged and observant that eventually I won't stay on top of a tidal wave of imagery that could impact her view of how a body is meant to look. My solution was not to ignore this no matter how uncomfortable I found these first conversations, and by beginning body education early, showing what bodies look like for 'normal' people. And hoping the actions I take now make a measurable difference for her mental health and body image later.