5 Ways To Boost Your Teenager’s Self-Esteem

The teenage years can be a time of significant growth, change, and struggles with self-esteem. After all, this is a period in one’s life when they are just starting to form their own identity and explore their interests and values. During this journey of discovery, it is common for teenagers to experience self-doubt, confusion, and discomfort with who they are. 

Keep reading to learn more about why your teenager may be experiencing low self-esteem and five ways you can help boost your teenager’s self-esteem! 

Topics that will be explored

1. Why Does My Teen Have Self-Esteem?
2. What Are Some Signs of Low Self-Esteem in Teenagers?
3. 5 Ways to Help Boost Your Teen’s Self-Esteem

Related Reading: How to Help a Teenager with Mental Health Issues

Why Does My Teen Have Low Self-Esteem?

According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescence, approximately 70% of teenagers have impostor syndrome, which is a feeling of inadequacy despite one’s achievements. This is also linked to low self-esteem. While it may be tricky to find one specific reason for your teen’s low self-esteem, there are many common factors that lead to this issue.

Some common causes of low self-esteem in teenagers include:

• Social Comparison: Teenagers often compare themselves unfavorably to their peers and are highly sensitive when comparisons are made between themselves and others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy related to body image, intelligence, and self-worth. 
• Negative Self-Talk: Teenagers may engage in negative self-talk, such as criticizing themselves or focusing on their flaws. This can reinforce negative beliefs and contribute to low self-esteem. 
• Lack of Support: When teenagers are not receiving support from parents or peers, they feel isolated and unsupported. This also leads to low self-worth and inadequacy. 
• Perfectionism: Many teenagers have high standards of themselves and believe they must be perfect in order to be valued. 
• Trauma/Abuse: Traumatic experiences and abuse can lead to feelings of worthless and low self-esteem. 
• Mental Health Conditions: Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are known to worsen self-esteem. 

Related Reading: How to Motivate a Depressed Teenager – 8 Proven Strategies

Because low self-esteem is a common issue among teenagers, it’s important to remember that there is nothing wrong with your child. Being a teenager in this day and age is honestly hard. Luckily, with patience, support, and professional help (if necessary!) teenagers can improve their self-esteem and develop a more positive self-image. 

What Are Some Signs of Low Self-Esteem in Teenagers? 

There are several signs that may indicate low self-esteem in teenagers, including:

• Social Withdrawal: Teens with low self-esteem may feel insecure or unworthy of other people’s attention, causing them to withdraw from social situations.
• Perfectionism: Teens with low self-esteem may set unrealistic expectations for themselves and feel like they are failing if they do not meet them. This is common with high-achieving students and athletes. 
• Lack of confidence: Teens with low self-esteem may have difficulty making decisions or expressing their opinions in fear of being judged or not trusting themselves. 
• Fear of failure: Teens with low self-esteem may avoid trying new things or taking risks for fear of failure.
• Excessive self-criticism: Teens with low self-esteem may be overly critical of themselves and struggle to accept compliments or positive feedback.

It’s important to note that some of these behaviors are common in teenagers, even those with healthy self-esteem. However, if these signs persist or are prolonged, it may be a sign of low self-esteem.

5 Ways to Help Boost Your Teen’s Self-Esteem

As a concerned parent or guardian, you’re probably eager to learn some ways to help boost your teen’s self-esteem. 

Try the following with your teen: 

Give Praise: 

Instead of focusing on grades or achievements, praise your teen’s efforts and positive qualities. This can help them develop a more positive self-image and increase confidence in their abilities. Providing your teenager with positive feedback when they do something well is also important! This can help with reinforcing positive behaviors which can help boost your teen’s self-confidence and self-esteem. 

Encourage Them to Seek Out New Experiences: 

Encourage your teenager to try new things and take on new challenges. For example, encouraging them to pick up a new hobby or learn a new skill can be a great starting point. This can help them build a sense of competence and accomplishment, which can in turn boost their self-esteem.

Help Them Identify Their Values

Help your teenager identify their personal values and priorities. Who are they? What’s important to them? What are their dreams and goals? Developing a sense of identity is helpful and makes it easier to develop a stronger sense of self and purpose. 

Be a positive role model: 

As a parent or other adult role model in a teen’s life, it’s important to model confidence through your own behaviors. Showing your child that you are also positive, optimistic, and confident in your own abilities should encourage them to also do the same. As Thomas Fuller famously said, “A good example is the best sermon.”

Seek professional help: 

If your teenager’s low self-esteem is severe or ongoing, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who can provide additional support and guidance may be beneficial. A licensed therapist can provide a safe space to your child to address their insecurities while providing them with skills to overcome these challenges. Teenage therapy is a great option for many, if not most, teens!

Last Thoughts on Teenage Self-Esteem

It is important to remember that developing self-esteem takes time and effort. Be patient with your teen and provide consistent encouragement and support. Being a teen in this generation poses many barriers to self-esteem including unhealthy comparisons on social media and social and academic competitiveness in schools. However, as an adult in your teen’s life, you have the ability to nurture their self-worth and be a positive influence in their lives.

Click here to be connected with licensed therapists that can support your teen on their journey towards boosting their self-esteem!