Taking the mean out of the teen
Sunday News
Relevant offers
Teen girls are being asked to put their claws away and be nice on Friday.
Girlfriend magazine has launched National Compliments Day, asking readers not to be Mean Girls but to focus on the good in themselves and others and voice it through compliments.
Shortland Street star Kimberley Crossman knows how important that can be.
The actress who plays spirited teen Sophie McKay on the hit soap credits regular compliments from friends and family for her success.
"I know that I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the compliments and encouragement I received along the way," Kimberley told Sunday News.
One of the best compliments she has received came from co-star Michael Galvin, aka Chris Warner.
"He took me aside after the stuff with Tane (Dominic Ona-Ariki) having the big car accident, after which I had an emotional journey involving a lot of crying, and really complimented me on my work.
"So that was quite a big thing that will stick with me for a while. As soon as you're told something nice, it boosts your confidence."
Auckland University senior lecturer in psychology Dr Niki Harre said research suggested how you related to other people was the most important factor in self-esteem.
"Our impression of what other people think of us is critical in helping us feel good about ourselves," she said.
Kimberley, 19, said National Compliments Day would help teens uncover their talents and build a strong sense of self.
"I think it's really important to be proud of people achieving things and tell them you're proud of them. It is especially important among teenage girls and when you're finding out who you are," she said.
Sponsored links
Popcorn and soda can equal three burgers
Sperm decline spurs research into face cream
Nice Kiwi blokes - shame about the women
Women pay top dollar for evening with bachelor
Gene test promises perfect partner
Women wear 500 chemicals daily
Bullying at school scars adulthood
Olivia Newton-John lets rip over breast exams
Hundreds march over government inaction
Memorial service for shooting victim
Mother of separated twins: 'We don't want them back'
NSW prepares for more extreme heat
All Blacks wary of loading English gun
Sleepwalker found not guilty of wife's death
World Cup party's over for Phoenix
Oprah says ending show 'feels right'
Police officer killed as floods devastate UK
Miley Cyrus tour bus overturns, one dead
Huge European football match-fixing ring exposed
Nice Kiwi blokes - shame about the women
'Brainless' stunt by NZ 'idiots' a global sensation
Praying for Ben after explosion
Miley Cyrus tour bus overturns, one dead
Kiwi Kevin Percy claims Harry Potter castle
Women pay top dollar for evening with bachelor
Mother of separated twins: 'We don't want them back'
Nice Kiwi blokes - shame about the women
Rokocoko to play against All Blacks
As Henry shows, footballers can't be trusted
Griffin's moves biscuits to Fiji