Low self-esteem means that an individual views herself as unworthy, useless or unlovable, according to DoSomething.org, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization for young people. It is reported nationally that 44 percent of high school girls are always attempting to lose weight while 70 percent of girls 15-17 avoid daily activities when they feel embarrassed about their looks.
“The worst effect of low self-esteem is that girls have hidden fabulous talents but are too afraid to share because of their low self-esteem,” said junior Stella Lee.
The consequences of low self-esteem include hypervigilance, eating disorders or even suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for adolescents. Teenage girls have a higher chance of attempting suicide than boys.
“With low self-esteem, a person would carry herself with no confidence and this will be shown through all that actions that person makes,” said junior Angelique Racpan.
“Parents usually want to step in when they see their daughter struggle,” said JoAnn Deak, author of “Girls Will Be Girls: Raising Competent and Courageous Daughters.”
WebMD.com suggests parents of teenage daughters keep a short leash on social networking and online privileges. Since the majority of social interactions between adolescents takes place online, parents need to be aware of these conversations.
Pbs.org says for parents to raise girls with high self-esteem, they must encourage their daughters to pursue their passions. They must also encourage their daughters to solve issues on their own and be responsible for their decisions.
“Instead of telling them ‘you’re so smart,’ it works better to praise them for how hard they work and how hard they try,” said Chemistry teacher, Elizabeth Sutter, the mother of two daughters.
Teenshealth.org recommends several ways to improve self-esteem. Teens need to set personal goals for themselves and create a specific plan of how to get there. Goals can be for physical, mental or academic improvements.
“People who believe they can accomplish goals and solve problems are more likely to do well in school,” according to Teenshealth.org.
