1. Social Media Causes Low-Self Esteem
The relationship between social media and self-esteem issues is perhaps the one that has received the most research. The average Instagram user often sees a ton of images and posts of people having fun when scrolling through their feed. People publish postings about their apparently flawless children, photographs of their brand-new houses, or how they just secured their dream jobs. Although our first natural reaction is to express our happiness for individuals we care about, our deeper response is to immediately compare what they have to what we lack.
With the advent of the social media era, adolescents must deal with social comparisons not only throughout the school day but constantly. In less time than it takes to count to five, high school students may post a Snapchat of their brand-new Nikes or the PS5 they received for their birthday. Furthermore, applications like Snapchat, which are designed to vanish, make it much simpler for children and teenagers to send hurtful pictures, bully others, and exert peer pressure. All of these actions have a detrimental impact on a child’s self-esteem.
How to Help Kids Feel More Confident
Keep an open door policy with your kid if they are experiencing poor self-esteem as a result of social media or peer pressure. Let them know that they are welcome to speak to you about anything at any time, and if they do, don’t become irritated if they share anything distressing with you. By berating your kid over a mistake they committed, you will simply drive them farther away and increase the likelihood that they will conceal information the next time.
If they do approach you carrying anything heavy, try to avoid passing judgment and instead attempt to understand by asking questions. Ask open-ended inquiries, such as, “Can you explain why you sent that SMS to me more clearly? I’m not sure I understand.” or “Can you please explain why you used those terms? I don’t appreciate you using such kinds of language.” Supporting someone in a difficult position doesn’t need you to agree with what they did.
Additionally, do your best to encourage your youngster with particular compliments. Pay attention to what they do. Say, “Hey, I noticed you take the garbage out without asking, thank you very much, it truly helps me out,” for instance. or “I see you’ve been working incredibly hard on your math exam; I’m impressed with your commitment to your education.”
Even while it may seem hard to find a positive, the little things build up, even if your adolescent appears to be able to press all of your buttons at once. I appreciate you cleaning your hands and coming to the dining table when I requested; I like having you here for supper and conversing.
