Self Esteem in Teen

1. Detection can be Difficult

When you are trying to identify low self-esteem in a teen, you may be in for a challenge. A teen's self-esteem goes up and down frequently. This can make detecting low self-esteem difficult because one day you may see some signs of low self-esteem, and the next day that symptom has reversed. When you are trying to identify low self-esteem in a teen, it is important that you consider the signs that are present the majority of the time. If the teen shows even a few signs of low self-esteem, it might be cause for concern.

2. Eyes Everywhere

Teens often act one way at home and another way when they are with their friends. When you are attempting to identify low self-esteem in a teen, you must find out how she acts around her friends. Just because she seems down at home doesn't mean that she is that way with her friends. Finding out how your teen acts around her friends presents a problem for most parents. If you don't want to spy on your teen by following her around, you can consider talking to her friend's parents. If you are close to some of them, tell them that you are concerned about your child's self-esteem. If you aren't close to any of the other parents, you should stick to asking general questions about your teen's attitude.

3. Available Allies

If your teen is in school, you have people who can help you to determine if your teen has low self esteem. Teachers, counselors and other school officials spend a lot of time with your teen. In most cases, these available allies can let you know if they think your teen is at risk for or suffering from low self-esteem. School counselors and many teachers have training in child and adolescent psychology.

4. Signs and Symptoms

A person suffering from low self-esteem will often try to appear busy. This is so that she can keep her mind off of her image. In addition, you should be on the lookout for a sudden drop in grades, loss of interest in activities she once loved, living in the past, a fear of the unknown and a decline in friendships. She may also seem unable to accept her imperfections.

5. The Next Step

If you determine that your teen has low self esteem, you should try to decide what type of help is best in his case. Sometimes, an image makeover helps. To do this you just simply help him to get new clothes and an attitude that he is comfortable with. If his self-esteem is very low, professional help may be needed. In this case, you can talk to the school's guidance counselor to find the help your teen needs.


Casey Holley is a medical writer with more than 10 years of experience in the health and fitness industries. She has worked as a nutrition consultant and has written numerous health and wellness articles, including in-depth features about ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal conditions.

Last Updated: May 21, 2008