Selfies, status updates and Facebook “likes” clearly mean more than just a simple post to the college students 10TV spoke with.
Student Shayla Jackson says "These young girls feel like they have to show some skin.”
"It resulted in me losing a couple of friends, they didn't like to follow me when I was posting emotional stuff," explains Corrine Bucck.
"You want to get as many likes as you can; it may force you to do something that you normally wouldn't want to do," added Daniel Coleman.
Experts say it is all taking a toll on self-esteem. Social media isn't going anywhere, so how do we teach our children to be comfortable in their own skin while using it?
Jess Sparks says kids of all ages are searching for their self-worth in a social media update. She works with Girls on the Run, a group trending in several local schools that encourages and teaches life skills to tweens.
“We need to help them understand that 20 likes in 20 minutes does not equate to your self-worth," Sparks explains.
Therapist Julie Handler says the lesson starts at home. "I feel like it's the parents' responsibility to get them involved in other things; to build their self-esteem in other ways rather than what other people think of them," says Handler.
Handler also encourages parents to focus on their child's talents, not their looks. Also, she recommends to model healthy self-worth by not complaining about their bodies in front of their children. Moreover, monitor what celebrities they follow, because it could influence what they post.
These steps may better prepare your child for whatever comes their way on social media.
"I see so many kids who just want other people to say that they are there for them," adds Handler.
The key appears to be to teach our children that the real secret to happiness starts within.
Here are 5 Tips to Building Your Teenager's Self-Esteem by Parent Coach Terry Manrique
- Focus mainly on your child strengths such as their talents, skills, and abilities.
- Model self-worth/self-esteem to your child. Don’t let them hear you complain about your body image, looks, or every small obstacle you encounter.
- Make sure their friends are confident, kind, and value their own self-worth. Listen to their conversations, watch their body language, and see how they treat each other.
- Teach your child the importance of being kind and generous to others.
- Teach your child to celebrate their accomplishments but even more importantly teach them to always celebrate others successes and their accomplishments as well. There is no need to be jealous of others. We all have strengths and weakness.
The most important lesson you can teach your child is to understand that we all have goals, dreams, challenges, and struggles and we all reach them at diffident times in our life. Never be envious or jealous of others success but celebrate with them and they will be there for you when it’s your time to celebrate your success. Self-esteem is about being comfortable in your own skin and believing in yourself.
Do you want to get your daughter involved with Girls on the Run? You can watch the Girls on the Run of Franklin County 5K run/walk on Saturday, Nov. 14. It's what the girls at more than 50 sites throughout Columbus train to run during the 10-week fall season.