One of the most common questions I get asked as a kid’s confidence coach is how parents can help their children deal with the pressure of social media. Why is this such an issue? Parents know their children and they can see the effects social media has on their self-esteem and confidence. It’s not good.
During lockdown, our children turned to screens more than ever. To learn, to play with their friends, to chat and to socialise. Social media was their social lives and, in some ways, it was a good thing. In many ways it was not.
Teenagers are especially vulnerable. They need validation and comparing themselves to others has, and always will be, part of their experience. But social media sets impossible standards – not just by celebrities and models – but by classmates and friends. Lives are curated and filtered.
So how can parents help their children deal with self-doubt and self-esteem issues that a life online can trigger?
Keep all communication open. Make sure you spend time focusing on your child. Have time to sit, focus on your child and discuss any concerns they may have.
Listen out for negative speak. Tune into the information they read, the images they see. It’s so important to be aware so that you can pick up on it and ‘step in’ in a warm, open conversation.
Be positive. Support your child with positive messages. Encourage reading good material, and positive, supportive friends.
Everyone is unique. We all have different skills and abilities. Our interests are different. Help them identify with this, and understand these difference. Nurture what they enjoy and makes them feel good.
Keep reality in check so that their views and beliefs don’t become distorted and unreal.
If you have any specific concerns or any questions around social media use and how it’s affecting confidence, please do get in touch.
