The complete list of all life-guiding messages for young people – click the titles for further information
For the most part, what other people think and say about you doesn’t matter. When you leave school, nearly all the people whose opinions you care so much about will no longer be a part of your life.
Remind yourself that you can and will grow stronger from hard times. Focus on what you have, not on what you haven’t, and on all the things in your life that are right.
Be happy for those who are making progress. Cheer for their victories. Be thankful for their blessings. The people you’re cheering for will, sooner or later, start cheering for you.
If someone flips between being ‘very nice’ and ‘very nasty’, you can feel like you need to do things to keep them happy. This can be a sign they are trying to control you.
If someone gives you gifts like ‘phone credit, alcohol, drugs or jewellery, this can make you feel good about them, but if they want sex in return they are trying to exploit you.
Start noticing what you like about others and tell them. Having an appreciation for how amazing the people around you are leads to productive and fulfilling places.
We all have magic within us that no-one can take away, that you will always have. Remind yourself of your inherent value and hold on to your magic.
You have everything you need right now to take the next small, realistic step forward. Embrace the opportunities and accept the challenges as gifts that will help you to grow.
If someone is trying to sexually exploit you, they may try to isolate you from your friends or family by saying they are the only person you need, that your family won’t understand or you’ll be in trouble.
People who exploit young people for sex want them to think they are a friend, or a boyfriend or girlfriend, to gain their trust to get power over them. They might use bribes, threats, humiliation and violence to get this power.