Growing up as a teenage girl today isn’t easy—especially in Singapore, where academic pressure, social media, and the challenges of puberty often collide.
Dr. Tabitha Mok, psychiatrist and mother of three, shares science-backed strategies to help girls build resilience and flourish in our fast-paced world.
Why Girls Struggle
Puberty brings significant physical and emotional changes, and Singapore’s highly competitive environment can amplify these stresses.
Research shows:
- Teens spend over three hours daily on social media, often comparing themselves to carefully curated, filtered images.
- Nearly 1 in 3 girls report anxiety related to grades, appearance, or friendships by age 15.
Social Media: Friend or Foe?
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok aren’t entirely negative—they can foster connection and self-expression.
Yet constant scrolling can:
- Disrupt sleep – Late-night screen time keeps the brain alert.
- Lower self-esteem – Endless comparison can chip away at confidence.
Dr. Mok’s tip: “Teach girls to use social media as a tool, not a trap. Ask: Does this app lift me up or drag me down?”
Why Everything Feels So Intense
Adolescents’ brains are wired to crave approval and fear rejection. During puberty, the brain’s reward centre (which thrives on likes and praise) develops faster than the decision-making centre.
This imbalance makes social conflicts feel overwhelming. Negative online interactions can even activate the same neural pathways as physical pain—heightening emotional distress.
Practical Strategies for Parents
Pause Before Posting
Encourage a 10-minute break before responding to upsetting messages. This helps teens cool off before reacting emotionally.
Name the Feeling
Replace “Stop crying!” with “I see you’re upset. What’s one small step you can take right now?” This builds emotional vocabulary and resilience.
Mindful Check-Ins
Help teens reflect by asking, “How does this app or message make me feel?”—fostering self-awareness without imposing bans.
Real-Life Parenting
As a working mum, Dr. Mok applies these strategies at home:
- When feeling overwhelmed, she tells her kids, “Mum needs a quiet minute,” modelling self-regulation.
- During car rides, she asks, “What made you proud today?” to open up conversations beyond academics.
Singapore’s Secret Weapon: Family Support
Academic stress is real—but a strong family connection can buffer its effects.
- Girls with parents who listen, without trying to “fix” problems, develop 30% stronger coping skills.
- Simple family rituals – like weekly no-phone walks or cooking together – can reduce stress hormones by up to 40%.
Bottom Line
Girls don’t need to be perfect—they need to feel supported, especially when life gets overwhelming. With a blend of evidence-based tools and warm, everyday presence, families can help their teens navigate adolescence with confidence and compassion.
Need support?
We offer personalised, specialist care tailored to the needs of teens in Singapore.
Let our experienced team of psychiatrists and psychologists at Private Space Medical walk alongside you—providing trusted, thoughtful mental health care that empowers your daughter to thrive.
Let our experienced team of psychiatrists and psychologists at Private Space Medical walk alongside you—providing trusted, thoughtful mental health care that empowers your daughter to thrive.
References
- Gov.sg. (2023). Social Media Usage Among Youth in Singapore.
- Institute of Mental Health. (2021). COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Impact Study.
- Hsu, D. T., et al. (2018). Neural responses to social rejection. Nature Human Behaviour, 2(12), 938–948. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-018-0465-6
- Tan, K. H., et al. (2021). Parental Responsiveness and Adolescent Resilience in Singapore. National University of Singapore.
- Kushlev, K., et al. (2021). Digital device use and stress hormone regulation. Social Science & Medicine, 284, 114240.
Dr Tabitha Mok
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
