The decline in teenagers’ self-esteem is attributed to myriad factors. It peaked in 2007 when 41% of 14- and 15-year-old girls and 55% of boys of the same age reported high self-esteem. Those rates have declined to 33% of girls and 50% of boys respectfully1. A few reasons for the significant decline, especially among female teenagers include:
Bullying- Today’s teens face harassment that previous generations can hardly fathom. NoBullying.com reports that 83% of all girls and 79% of all boys claim some sort of harassment growing up. Today’s bullies do it behind closed doors and outside in the open. Six out of 10 teenagers witness bullying at school at least once a day. Most teens do not know how to handle the criticism. Bully victims are between two to nine times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims according to studies by Yale University.
Social ease- Today’s teenagers do not exhibit the same levels of respect, confidence and grace as past generations. Sometimes, it feels downright awkward talking to them. When asked how teenagers felt when meeting someone for the first time, 49% reported feeling a little uneasy and 19% reported quite uneasy on average. College admissions officers report that many students are unprepared for their interviews; act immature, disrespectful or rude; fail to research the college to which they are applying; and are either extremely shy or go overboard when bragging.
Body image is defined as the way that a person perceives his or her body and assumes others perceive him or her the same way. It is affected by family, friends, social pressures and the media. Studies show that the more reality television young women watch, the more likely they are to find appearance important. DoSomething.org reported that more than half of girls and a quarter of boys aged 12-14 reported wanting to lose weight. 95% of people with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25, however only 10% of people suffering from an eating disorder seek professional help.
Parents can proactively shape their children and counteract many of these current trends. Teens can be their own hero by impeding this downward spiral in self-esteem, image, confidence and more.
Generation.Next Dale Carnegie Training for Teens & College Students is the only course designed to prepare young people for the real world. Students learn lifetime skills they need to reach their goals and live up to their full potential – at school, home, and work.
This three full-day course focuses on five key areas critical for future success:
- Building Self-confidence
- Enhancing Communication Skills
- Interpersonal Skill Development
- Teamwork and Leadership Skills
- Effective Attitude Management
Graduates report that their new skills have made them:
- Highly focused on their goals
- Better decision makers when faced with difficult choices
- More persuasive and confident communicators
- Better prepared when applying to college or interviewing for jobs
Consider enrolling your teen or college student in the Generation.Next course to minimize the negative effects of the aforementioned challenges and maximize their long-term success.
For more information, visit our website!
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