Let’s be real—being a teen isn’t always easy. Between navigating school, social life, and the constant scroll of highlight reels on social media, it’s normal to have moments of self-doubt. But here’s the good news: self-confidence isn’t something you’re either born with or without—it’s something you can build.

If you’re a teen (or you’re raising one), know this: building confidence doesn’t require a major personality change. It just takes intention, practice, and a few go-to self confidence activities for teens that actually work.

Why Self Confidence Matters

Confidence is that quiet inner voice that tells you, “I can do this,” even when you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. It helps teens speak up in class, try out for the school play, make new friends, and handle rejection with grace. In short, it’s a game-changer for everything from mental health to personal growth.

And let’s not forget—building self esteem in teens helps lay the foundation for strong, resilient adults. So, where do we start?

1. The Mirror Pep Talk

It sounds simple, but this one is powerful. Every morning (yes, even on Mondays), look in the mirror and say three things you like about yourself. These can be personality traits, physical features, or accomplishments—whatever makes you feel good.

Confidence Boost Tip: Say it like you mean it. The more you affirm the positives, the more your brain believes them.

2. Try the “Brave List” Challenge

Once a week, write down three brave things you did. Maybe you answered a tough question in class, introduced yourself to someone new, or spoke up about something that mattered.

Tracking these wins helps reframe your inner dialogue and reinforces the idea that you are capable—because you are.

3. The Compliment Chain

Start a compliment chain among friends or classmates. One compliment leads to another, and it creates a ripple effect of positivity. Giving compliments helps you see the good in others, and receiving them is a reminder that people notice your strengths, too.

Bonus: Compliment yourself while you’re at it.

4. Vision Boards (with a twist)

Grab some old magazines or go digital and create a vision board of your dreams and goals. Then—this is the twist—add sticky notes with real-life steps you can take to get closer to them.

Dream big, but keep it grounded in action. That mix builds confidence like nothing else.

5. Get Into Something That Lights You Up

Joining a club, taking up dance, modeling, acting—whatever it is, dive in. When teens engage in something they’re passionate about, it naturally builds confidence and identity. Personal development and confidence-building is a main focus of every Barbizon program, so you can feel & look the best you can be in the skin you’re in! Find out more information about it here.

Pro tip: Don’t wait to be “good” at it. Just start. Growth happens in the doing.

Confidence Is a Skill—So Practice It

Just like anything else worth having, self-confidence takes time and consistency. These self confidence activities for teens are simple, but they’re effective. They help shape a mindset where teens can recognize their worth, believe in their potential, and show up fully in their lives.

Whether you’re building self esteem in teens as a parent, teacher, or mentor—or working on it yourself—the key is creating space to grow, fail, try again, and celebrate small wins.

Because confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about knowing you’re enough—right now, just as you are.