Why Does Teenage Girls’ Self-Esteem Matter?

The importance of making our girls feel seen, known and loved…

Self-esteem shapes the way we see ourselves and the world around us. It influences almost every choice we make, from the friendships we form to the opportunities we pursue. For teenage girls, self-esteem isn’t just nice to have. It is so much more than that. It’s a foundation for living with confidence, making empowered decisions, and believing in their own worth.

At Know Your Worth, we are passionate about supporting girls to grow their self-esteem, because we see every day how transformative it can be.

The Power of Self-Esteem

When a girl feels secure in who she is, it changes everything. Self-esteem affects the lifestyle choices she makes, the friends she surrounds herself with, the romantic relationships she chooses to stay in (or walk away from!), and even the future she believes she deserves.

On one of our recent Know Your Worth courses, a teenage girl arrived hesitant and withdrawn. She struggled to connect with others and didn’t want to take up space that was rightfully hers. Over the weeks, something shifted. As she experienced a safe, supportive environment, she began to open up. She discovered that her voice and presence mattered just as much as anyone else’s in the room. By the end of the course, she was participating with confidence. What a powerful reminder of what’s possible when girls are given the tools and encouragement to grow.

What Healthy Self-Esteem Looks Like

Girls with stronger self-esteem tend to engage with life more actively. They question trends, think critically about their own inner dialogue, and tend to stand firmer in their choices. Sure, they can still experience moments of deep security from within, and while they still face the normal struggles of teenage life like friendship fallouts, insecurities and setbacks, these challenges don’t define them.

In contrast, low self-esteem can hold girls back in painful ways. It often leads them to put too much gravitas on the opinions of others, weaken their personal boundaries, and accept situations that are far from ideal. This can look like staying in unhealthy relationships, accepting unkind behaviour, or simply “going along with the crowd” instead of opting for genuine belonging. And at Know Your Worth we believe that isn't okay. No girl should have to simply fit in at the expense of herself.

As researcher Brené Brown puts it:

“Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”

Why It Matters

The distinction between fitting in and truly belonging is at the heart of why self-esteem is so important. Girls who develop a strong sense of self are far more likely to experience real belonging and the freedom to be comfortable in their own skin, just as they are.

At Know Your Worth, we believe every girl deserves to feel this way. That’s why we create spaces that build self-esteem, nurture confidence, and remind girls that they don’t have to shrink to be accepted. Instead, they can grow and take up the space that is rightfully theirs. Because when a girl knows her worth, the impact is lifelong.

If you’re passionate about supporting teen girls too, why not book us in to run a course or train with us to deliver them yourself?

Book in a quick call with us here to find out more…