Recent research in South Africa showed that more than 24% of teenagers had sad or hopeless feelings and 19% had considered attempting suicide. This means our children are feeling bad about themselves!

How can parents help?

We need to take action to help tweens and teens change the way they feel about themselves.

Measure your self-esteem

Do this quick activity with your tween or teen to see how they are doing on the self-esteem metre:

Finish the following sentences by listing all the things you believe you deserve; and all the things you believe you can do.

I believe I deserve … e.g. respect, love
I believe I can … e.g. be a good soccer player

This exercise will measure how your self-esteem is doing. Kids with a good self-esteem believe they deserve good things and they believe in their ability to achieve.

Build your child’s self-esteem by:

• Allowing them to be confident and assertive;
• Allowing them to be independent;
• Trusting them;
• Teaching them to communicate clearly;
• Encouraging them to finish the tasks they set out to do;
• Teaching them to be responsible and accept the consequences of their actions;
• Teaching them how to make healthy choices;
• Helping them to be compassionate;
• Teaching them to give back to their community and society;
• Model responsible behaviour in front of your child, for example, your confidence and manner in which you resolve conflict.
• Helping them to deal with disappointment, sadness or anger without feeling as though they have failed you or themselves.

DID YOU KNOW?
25% of South African teenagers watch more than 3 hours of TV every day? This means that they are being influenced by unrealistic media images that make them feel that they are not good enough. Instead of watching TV, spend time talking to your child.

Numbers to call for help:
South African Police Service
emergency number: 10111
Childline – 0800 05 55 55
Crime stop – 08600 10111
Suicide helpline – 0800 567 567
Mental health line (for depression
and anxiety) – (011) 262 6396