How social media affects self-esteem in children and young people

If you’re worried about your child’s self-esteem, you can support them. One approach is to explore the connection between self-esteem and social media.

Take some time to think together about when social media is a helpful or hurtful influence. Talk to your child and listen to what they have to say.

• Ask why your child enjoys social media. What type of accounts do they follow? What do they post about?
• Get your child to think about whether ‘likes’ on a photo or post is valuable feedback.
• Talk about the differences between admiration and jealousy. This can help them see the people they follow as role models, rather than people to compare themselves to.
• Discuss how what’s posted online doesn’t always reflect real life. For example, a company in Moscow rents out a grounded jet as a photography studio. Some influencers used this studio to pretend they had a luxury lifestyle.
• Try guessing if photos on social media have a filter or not. How easy is it to tell? Why might someone use a filter?

As well as trying this activity, you can support self-esteem over time.

• Help them start a diary to spot when things are going well.
• Spend time together to help them improve their self esteem.
• Know how to spot the signs of low self-esteem.
• Think about how you can boost wellbeing and happiness.

If your child is at risk of hurting themselves, we have some advice on self-harm and suicidal thoughts.