DS, nearly 14 has no confidence in the way he looks

[Ludicrousness]

DS, nearly 14 was bullied when he was in junior school by a group of DC at his school. 9 of them rounded on him calling him fat. One girl constantly told him he was fat and ugly. He wasn't even fat. I went to the school and only after I lost my shit, did they do something about it.

Since then he has been really conscious about his weight but is a good eater.

He does loads of sport and works out a lot. He is now 5ft 9' at 13, and really skinny. He's also really handsome. It's not just me who thinks so, my friends all tell me he's lovely looking.

The thing is he thinks he's "fat and ugly". I want to go round to these bullies houses and wring their bloody necks.

I tell him every day that he's gorgeous, and he looks great. I've bought him great clothes that he likes, and he gets a great haircut. He's talented and clever and he has no issues with confidence there. It is just his looks. He thinks he's ugly. He told me this. It breaks my heart. He told me that "You are my mum and of course you are going to think that, but 9 people told me I'm fat so it must be true".

How can I improve his confidence?

Well you could tell him it’s not just you, your friends also think he’s good looking. I’m not sure what else you can do other than keep reiterating it at every given opportunity 😆
Does he go to any clubs outside of school where he could gain a bit of confidence in himself, something like scouts? I suppose he’ll get a bit more confidence when girls (or boys) start noticing him when he gets a bit older.
But also remind him it’s what’s on the inside that counts (and those horrible bullies were rotten inside and out 😡)

Hi @Ludicrousness you're doing exactly what i would do. Keep telling him all those wonderful things he is. It will change what he thinks of himself. Just keep doing what you're doing x

My DS was the same. He actually had a bit of weight on at one point but lost it, and even then thought he was fat (when he looks back now he can see he was actually very skinny - too skinny really).
He joined a teen gym which really helped.
He seemed to feel a lot of pressure to get a girlfriend as well. But I think once he realised not everyone had girlfriends as he got older, it took the pressure off him and he stopped being so critical of himself.

Would your DS go to see a counsellor? It may help to get his feelings out to someone impartial, and they can give him techniques to help deal manage the way he seems himself