This week, as part of our Wellness Wednesday programme, students explored the theme "Not Comparing Yourself." In school, it can be easy for young people to compare themselves with classmates who appear to be achieving different things. We discussed with pupils how everyone develops at their own pace, with their own strengths and challenges, and how comparing themselves to someone else's journey can overshadow the progress they are making individually. Encouraging students to recognise their own small improvements helps build resilience and a stronger sense of self-worth. 

Students also reflected on how comparison can affect emotional wellbeing. When young people judge themselves against others, it can lead to stress, disappointment, or the belief that they are "not good enough," even when their efforts are strong and genuine. We reminded pupils that what they see from others is often only the final success, not the hard work, mistakes, or practice that went into it. By focusing on personal goals rather than external competition, students give themselves the space to grow confidently and appreciate their own progress.

Alongside comparisons at school, we know that social media can amplify these feelings for young people. Platforms often present filtered, curated versions of life, making it appear as though everyone else is happier, more successful, or more confident. This can be particularly challenging for developing minds, which may struggle to distinguish between reality and online presentation. We encouraged students to be critical of what they see online and to remember that social media rarely shows the full picture.

Parents play an important role in helping to manage this. We recommend having open conversations at home about how social media works, including the use of filters, editing tools, and selective posting. Encouraging regular screen breaks, promoting offline hobbies, and modelling healthy digital habits can support children in developing a balanced relationship with technology. Most importantly, praising effort rather than comparison, and reminding young people that their worth is not measured against someone else's highlight reel, helps reinforce the message of self-acceptance that lies at the heart of this week's Wellness Wednesday theme.