Identity Crisis in Teenage Girls: Building Self-Esteem in a Digital Age

Posted on 12 May, 2023 by Marie Lafortune

The teenage years are a time of immense change and development for young girls. During this time, they are figuring out who they are, where they fit in the world, and what they want to do with their lives. It is a time of great self-discovery but can also be a time of great confusion and anxiety. The pressure to conform to the so-called “social norms”, coupled with the rise of social media and other online platforms, can make it harder for teenage girls to build a strong sense of self and self-esteem.

There are positive and negative effects of social media on teenagers. But what makes it more challenging is the impact it has on their sense of identity. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, teenagers are constantly bombarded with images of what they should look like, how they should act, and what they should be interested in. The pressure to conform to these standards can be overwhelming, and it can affect their self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

In addition to the impact of social media, teenage girls are also facing a number of other challenges when it comes to building their identity. They may struggle with issues such as body image, relationships, and academic pressure. They may also be dealing with difficult family dynamics, peer pressure, and the stress of trying to fit in with their social group.

So, if you are or are living with a teenage girl, there are some ideas that you can help them with to build a strong sense of self and self-esteem in the midst of these challenges.

Encourage them to pursue their passions and interests. Whether it’s sports, art, music, or something else, encourage your teenage daughter to explore her interests and find things that she enjoys. This can help her build a sense of self and self-worth outside of social media and other external factors.

Help them develop a positive body image. Encourage your teenage daughter to focus on healthy habits rather than achieving a certain body shape or size. Help her understand that everyone is unique and that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Encourage them to connect with positive role models. Whether it’s a teacher, coach, or family friend, encourage your teenage daughter to connect with positive role models who can help her build her self-esteem and provide guidance and support.

Help them build healthy relationships. Some of them often have a circle of friends who cannot influence them in good ways. You won’t probably know all the people they get around with, but you can encourage them to build healthy relationships with their peers and to surround themselves with people who not only lift them but also support them.

Encourage them to take breaks from social media or find content that is more instructive. While social media can be a great way to connect with others and share ideas, it can also be overwhelming and stressful. Encourage them to take breaks from social media and focus on other activities that make them happy. With the rise of Tiktok, which for me has left the stage of being just a social media platform, they can find content that is more instructive for them while not focusing on the fakeness of individuals living their unhappy lives perfectly. There are mini DIY projects, crafts, drawings, content on things they don’t know, countries they should learn about, and more. Help them find curative, effective, and educative information so they understand the world is not shaped around the body's appearance alone but is intertwined with every subject everywhere.

In conclusion, building a strong sense of self and self-esteem is essential for teenage girls as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. While the rise of the internet and social media has made this more challenging, there are still many things that parents and caregivers can do to support their daughters. By encouraging them to pursue their passions, build healthy relationships, and connect with positive role models, teenage girls can develop a strong sense of self and the confidence they need to navigate the challenges of growing up.