In this info sheet
- Self-acceptance during the teen years can be quite a challenge.
- Your teen needs to learn to trust themselves.
- They must also learn to accept their qualities and their faults.
- That’s how they’ll build their self-esteem.
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Self-esteem in adolescence
Self-esteem is how people perceive themselves. It means recognizing self-worth, no matter what other people say.
Teenagers are in the process of forming their identity. It’s an important time for their self-esteem.
Self-esteem grows out of experiences and relationships with others, including parents.
Experiencing difficulties is normal and important.
When your teen overcomes their difficulties, with your help, they learn to trust themselves.
Self-esteem allows us to:
- Deal with stress;
- Adapt to life’s challenges;
- Get through difficult times;
- Seek help when needed.
Self-esteem and social media
On social media:
- Lots of teens view and post photos, videos and stories;
- Lots of teens compare their number of likes and followers;
- Lots of teens follow celebrity accounts.
Images on social media are not reality. They can make teens dream. They can prompt them to compare themselves to what they see and feel inadequate. They can erode their self-esteem.
Less time on social media is the way to go!
Did you know?
According to a 2022–2023 Québec survey on youth health in high school:
- Young people have better self-esteem when their parents take an interest in what they’re experiencing.
- Young people who spend less than 4 hours a day on screens have better self-esteem.
Being there for your teen
Do you spend a lot of time on social media?
Your habits influence your child.
Avoid comparing yourself to others or criticizing photos on social media, whether positively or negatively.
Everyone is unique.
You’re unique.
And so is your teen!
By encouraging strong self-esteem in young people, you’re giving them tools to get to know and accept who they are and to develop their identity.
For inspiration, check out Soyez fier·ère·s d’être unique (in French).
Practical resources and tools
1. To support you :
You are dealing with a situation that worries you? Ask for help:
2. For more information
This fact sheet was written with the participants from the Écrit-tôt organization.
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