Confident Me

The Dove Self-Esteem Project

Dove has recently launched ‘Confident Me’, a series of workshops providing essential resources and information for teachers and schools to support young people, because: “We believe every young person should grow up feeling confident about their looks.” This forms part of The Dove Self-Esteem Project, which has worked with over 114 million young people in 153 countries to help build their confidence and self-esteem since the project’s foundation in 2004.

The impact of the media, especially social media, on young people’s mental and social wellbeing is unquestionable. In a survey by the Mental Health Foundation of young people aged 13-19, 35% said their body image causes them to ‘often’ or ‘always’ worry. Similarly, Dove’s own research showed that: “Over 50% of girls have low body confidence, and that eight in ten won’t see their friends or family, or even visit a doctor, when they don’t feel confident in their looks.”

Dove offers one-off sessions and longer courses online, as well as in-person sessions delivered by their team - these cover everything from media influence to peer pressure. By encouraging a better understanding of the unrealistic representations in media and how social media can impact their selfesteem, students are encouraged to identify personal strengths and develop their personal and social wellbeing. The programme asks questions such as “Is this possible in real life?” and “How can media be manipulated?” encouraging pupils to think critically about the media they consume.

In addition to challenging unrealistic ideals and negative selfimage, the programme promotes skills which benefit pupils socially as well as personally, such as tolerance, empathy and kindness. Dove recommends sessions be delivered in collaborative environments, where students feel comfortable. Some teenagers feel more comfortable and confident getting involved in single-sex groups, and the resources indicate to teachers when single-sex breakout groups may garner better interaction and impact. One teacher shared: “There are lots of materials, they fit with the curriculum and are perfect for the needs of my pupils.” and another stated: “I like the support for teachers around sensitive areas.” So far, Dove has worked with organisations such as the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts as well as schools across the country to deliver in-person sessions as part of ‘Confident Me’, in addition to the digital resources available. Dove reports that: “Students who participate in our Confident Me workshops experience improved self-esteem, have a more positive self-image, and feel more confident to participate in social and academic activities.”

MEGAN PAYNE Editor

www.dove.com/uk/dove-self-esteemproject