Tackling Low Self-Esteem in Teens
Adolescence is a pivotal time for developing self-esteem, yet it's also when many teens struggle with self-doubt and harsh self-criticism. Social Media, TV, gaming and music are just some of the mediums that present an image or message about what young people feel they should be and should look like. And so it’s no wonder that a third to a half of adolescents struggle with low self-esteem, with research showing that 61% of 10-17 year old girls in the UK have low self esteem.
On Monday, we talked to Dr Gemma Allison, Clinical Psychologist, about what to look out for if a teen has low self-esteem and what parents, carers and schools can do to help them.
Understanding Self-Esteem, Self-Assurance, and Self-Confidence
Dr Allison explained that self-esteem is our sense of value or self-worth, shaped by the experiences and interactions we have. Self-assurance relates to our belief in our abilities and to tackle something and learn from mistakes, and self-confidence is about accepting who we are as a person. In the complex landscape that teens face today, it’s not uncommon for young people to struggle.
Recognising Low Self-Esteem
Parents, carers and educators should look out for signs of low self-esteem, which can include an overly critical inner voice, avoidance of new experiences, people pleasing and a tendency to expect negative outcomes. All of these signs can manifest in mood changes, increased anxiety, and withdrawal from social interactions. But there are lots of ways to help.
“We need to model good self-esteem in ourselves... we’re not aiming for perfect.”
Strategies to Support Struggling Teens
Dr Allison shared some advice for parents, carers and schools, including:
Keep an open dialogue: create a safe space where teens are comfortable talking about how they feel.
Model positive self-esteem: demonstrate a balanced view of yourself but remember to aim for good, not perfect.
Highlight strengths and resilience: Be specific and praise their efforts and behaviours. Acknowledge what they’re good at, and praise them for situations they have handled well.
Encourage Affirmations: Help teens talk positively to themselves by developing statements they can use that reinforce their self-worth.
At School: Teachers can play a significant role in fostering positive self-esteem in lessons such as PSHE, ensuring encouragement of open dialogue and respect for different opinions.
Seek professional help: If a teen's self-esteem issues persist, it may be time to seek external help. This can come from a variety of places including a GP referral, private therapy or school support systems.
To watch this week’s informative session in full, including Dr Allison's answers to audience questions, log in to the hub or register HERE.
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We’ll be taking a break over half-term but will be back on Monday 19th Feb with Safeguarding Lead Consultant, Graham Lowe, to talk about Technology and Teens.