Youth Campaigning for self-acceptance for youth in a world of performance culture Amy Bilodeau February 13, 2025 Youth Youth Campaigning for self-acceptance for youth in a world of performance culture CHSSN is proud to support Mouvement Santé Mentale Québec’s (Mouvement SMQ) latest campaign promoting self-acceptance. As an ambassador of this initiative, CHSSN is deeply committed to promoting positive mental health — an approach that nurtures the healthy development and mental well-being of young people. We recognize that self-esteem is a cornerstone of mental health, hence the importance of providing young people with the tools they need to build strong and resilient identities , the development of which begins at an early age and evolves throughout adolescence. Good self-esteem enables us to recognize our strengths, abilities and limits, and to express our needs. By supporting youth’s skills and competencies to regulate, adapt, manage their wellbeing, develop prosocial behaviors and ask for help when needed , we not only help them thrive individually but also contribute to the creation of inclusive and caring communities. In this article, we’ll explore how to help young people develop their self-esteem in a world increasingly shaped by social influences and pressures from social media. How Can We Support Young People in Building Self-Esteem? When it comes to shaping identity, self-esteem is one of the most valuable gifts we can collectively offer young people. Everyone has a role to play in nurturing self-esteem in children and teenagers. Self-esteem is the foundation on which our choices, relationships, and achievements are built throughout life. Healthy self-esteem allows us to recognize both our own strengths and those of others. It empowers us to navigate life confidently, make decisions, embrace our differences, and set boundaries with clarity. In childhood, self-esteem encourages us to explore the world and believe in ourselves within a safe and supportive environment. During adolescence, having good self-esteem empowers young people to take initiative, explore their identity, gain experiences, and make choices that shape who they are. Self-esteem is dynamic and can be uneven or fragile, evolving continually throughout life. Here are a few tips to help children and teenagers build their self-esteem: Show love and be present: Dedicate time to listen, share, exchange, play, and give your full attention. Love and accept the young person for who they are. Provide a secure framework with clear rules: Establish consistent boundaries to create a safe and welcoming environment. Protect without overprotecting, ensuring they feel supported yet free to grow. Lead by example: Acknowledge your own strengths as an adult and openly discuss the challenges you’ve faced. Offer encouragement: Celebrate their strengths, guide them in exploring their identity, and support them through worries and challenges. Help them make choices within their abilities to nurture independence and confidence. Value their efforts: Acknowledge both their achievements and their learning process. Normalize failures as part of growth and learning. Today’s society amplifies the pressure of comparison, whether through social media or the relentless pursuit of achievement with performance culture. This often-unconscious tendency to compare ourselves to others can significantly undermine self-esteem, especially in young people who are heavily exposed to it. Components of Self-Esteem How can we address the impact of societal influences on self-esteem? Foster open conversations: Encourage discussions about the effects of social media, comparison culture, and the perception of failure. It’s important to create spaces where these topics can be explored without judgment. Celebrate individuality: We are all uniquely beautiful! There’s no single definition of beauty or success. Each of us has our own story, background, and contributions to offer. Embracing and celebrating our differences helps shift the focus from comparison to appreciation. Let’s make it a habit to lift each other up rather than criticize ourselves. Strengthen self-esteem: A strong sense of self can serve as a shield against the negative pressures of social media and external expectations. By supporting young people in developing their own strengths and focusing on their personal achievements, we empower them to build lasting self-esteem that isn’t tied to comparison with others. By working together to create environments that nurture the self-esteem of young people, we all play a part in fostering their well-being and mental health—a valuable legacy for the world of tomorrow. Here are some resources from the Mouvement SMQ’s Accept Yourself campaign available in English to support the well-being of young Quebecers: Accept Yourself campaign to youth Poster Magazine Exercise and Reflection Workbook A few Tips Let your Strengths Shine at Work Other articles Self-acceptance in the workplace 7 Ways to recharge your batteries Share This Article Twitter LinkedIn Email