Social media and self-esteem

‘Haters’ have become an unwelcome fixture of the internet. These are people who post negative or disrespectful comments on photos, videos or other social media streams. Sadly, learning to deal with a hater is now an important life skill for your child.

Keeping up with young people on social media today can be daunting for parents, especially when young people change their social networks and profile pictures as often as their socks. We spoke to experts, parents and young people themselves to pull together useful advice to help you navigate your child's online universe, and also bring them back down to Earth.

Social media issues permeate every aspect of a young person’s life these days, whether it’s revealing TMI (Too Much Info) about their boyfriend or girlfriend on Snapchat, having public spats with their BFF (Best Friend Forever) on Twitter or inadvertently inviting gatecrashers by posting party details on Facebook. 

Arguably the biggest difference between our own teenage years and those of our children, social media is here to stay. So how do we help our young people use it in a positive way?

In the dazzling world of social media, today’s youth are often living their lives in full view of an online audience. For those from a different generation, the idea of ‘checking in’ online or sharing a selfie to let people know where you are and what you're up to might seem bizarre. But for young people today, getting ‘likes’ on photos, posts or comments in the virtual world can bring a powerful sense of accomplishment and community acceptance.

The Dove Self-Esteem Project has teamed up with body positive activist Megan Crabbe @meganjaynecrabbe to provide positivity for young people through classes while they’re staying safe at home.

Wondering how to boost childrens’ confidence? We’ve partnered with Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe cartoon to help young people build self-esteem.