Believe in yourselves, self-esteem guru says

Self-belief, avoiding negative friendships, and the right support from parents are key to sustaining teenagers, says Claire O’Sullivan

JUST walking into a secondary school is enough. Primary schools are happy places: Teachers smile at you, kiddie paintings abound and there are beautifully illustrated picture books everywhere.

Secondary schools, in contrast, remind me of a horrible time when I just wanted to disappear into my disgusting uniform. Secondary school was the land of endless white, concrete walls, of slumped shoulders, of spotty skin, of awkwardness, and constant questioning of self.