The document discusses self-esteem in teens. It finds that teens often compare themselves to peers and feel there is something wrong with them or something they want to fix about their appearance or abilities. This lack of self-acceptance can lead to depression or eating disorders. Comments from others about appearance, even meant as compliments, can seriously impact someone with low self-esteem. The author agrees with research showing how improving self-esteem is important and that people of any gender or race can struggle with low self-esteem. In a presentation, the author will raise awareness on self-esteem issues, give tips to help others, and encourage people to be mindful of how their words impact others.

1. Self-Esteem in Teens
Over the previous weeks, I have been researching the self-esteem in teens, finding out
what causes it, why it happens, and what are the levels that many are at/reaching. I found that
in many cases the teens were comparing themselves to other students and peers. The kids
always wanted to be like the person standing next to them. There was always something wrong
with them or something they wanted to fix; such as, their weight, height, intelligence, athleticism
and much more. I also found that it comes as human nature to be uncomfortable with our own
bodies and have low self-esteem. The problem comes when people do not learn how to cope
with not being the same as others and not accepting their own bodies at free will. This is when
teenagers are getting diagnosed with depression and eating disorders.
Through researching, I also found that there is a ton of resources out there to help kids
who are truly struggling with their self-esteem and they are able to know that they are not alone.
While reading through many sites, the biggest piece of information that kept recurring was the
simplicity of what could be said to show that they have low self-esteem; such as, “You are so
much prettier than I am”, or “I wish I had a body like you do!” These are all things that you hear
from day to day and think nothing of because in today’s society everyone says those types of
things as if it is not a big deal. In reality, it could be a huge deal and the person saying could
have a very poor self image. These are things we need to look for in the youth to know how to
pick them up and feel better about themselves.
I agree with most of the articles that I had gathered research from because I use to have
very low self esteem and was able to agree with the sources on both an insiders thought
process and outsider seeing in. I did not agree with Perrin on her take on how self esteem is
different between gender and race. I believe that every kid is at one time a minority whether it is
because they are female, male, black, white, latino, too smart, not smart enough, not the
wealthiest, and many other possibilities. Just because you are a different gender or race I don’t
think that there would be a difference in how likely it is that one has low self-esteem.

2. I will be presenting my speech with a powerpoint of different situations and having the
class think about what they would do or what they think someone else would do. This way they
are questioning their own self-esteem along with their peer. I will be including why it is important
to have healthy self-esteem and how to get that if you are running a little low. Also, I will be
giving them tips on how to help others.
I believe it is important to bring awareness of personal self-esteem and let them be
aware that many people have low self esteem. We should all be aware of how to help others out
and not make it lower than what it already may be! I think during my speech I will make that very
clear after giving the facts and statistics as well as the personal evaluation that many will realize
self-esteem is very important to our bodies, minds, and futures. We need to be careful what we
do and say. We cannot be ignorant to the situation any longer.