We live in an era in which adolescents connect, learn, and express themselves both on and off the screen. Social media is part of their natural environment and, when properly guided, it can coexist perfectly with healthy self-esteem. The real challenge is not disconnecting from the digital world, but teaching young people to build confidence that does not depend solely on what happens on a screen.
Adolescence is a stage of discovery, questions, and the search for identity. In this process, every experience matters. And when those experiences are real, shared, and positive, they become a solid foundation for growing up with confidence.
Adolescent self-esteem in the age of social media
During adolescence, peer opinion becomes especially important. Social media amplifies this reality by offering a constant showcase of seemingly perfect lives. However, more and more adolescents are able to understand that what they see does not always reflect the whole reality.
Family and educational guidance plays a key role here: helping them interpret digital messages critically and value their identity beyond comparison. Self-esteem is not built by avoiding social media, but by balancing its influence with experiences that strengthen personal confidence.
Real experiences that strengthen confidence
Self-confidence grows when adolescents face new situations, overcome small challenges, and discover skills they did not know they had. Sports activities, team games, creative dynamics, or simply spending time with other young people in a different environment allow them to express themselves without pressure and feel valued for what they contribute.
These experiences foster autonomy, communication, and mutual respect—fundamental pillars for healthy and lasting self-esteem.
The value of a different kind of summer
Summer offers a unique opportunity to step out of routine and live experiences that leave a lasting mark. Summer camps create an environment where adolescents can disconnect from the constant use of their phones and reconnect with what truly matters: real relationships, shared living, and learning through experience.
At a camp, social dynamics change. What matters is not the image one projects, but attitude, participation, and the ability to share. This change of context helps many young people feel more confident, relaxed, and open to forming new friendships.
Learning English as a tool for personal growth
Learning English at a summer camp goes far beyond the classroom. Communicating in another language means daring to try, making mistakes, trying again, and celebrating progress. This entire process strengthens personal confidence and self-esteem, especially when experienced in a playful and motivating environment.
At English Summer, English is naturally integrated into daily activities, allowing adolescents to gain fluency and confidence almost without realizing it. This sense of real progress has a very positive impact on how they see themselves.
Living together, diversity, and social skills
Sharing day-to-day life with other young people encourages the development of essential social skills: empathy, active listening, cooperation, and conflict resolution. These skills not only improve personal relationships, but also help adolescents feel more confident in any environment, both online and offline.
Living together at a camp reinforces a sense of belonging and helps build authentic relationships based on respect and acceptance.
A positive boost that goes beyond summer
Social media will continue to be part of adolescents’ lives, but strong self-esteem is built through real, meaningful, and shared experiences. An English summer camp offers that much-needed balance between learning, fun, and personal growth.
At our summer camps, we believe that a well-lived summer can make a real difference. A space where adolescents gain confidence, make friends, improve their English, and return home with a more confident outlook on themselves and the world around them.