Supporting Young People to Build Healthy Habits
Growing up brings change, new experiences and plenty of pressures. For young people, developing a positive relationship with food, movement and their own bodies can be an important part of feeling well. Families, schools and communities all have a role to play in making healthy choices easier and more enjoyable.
Health is about more than weight
A young person’s wellbeing cannot be understood through appearance or weight alone. Health is shaped by many factors, including physical activity, sleep, nutrition, mental wellbeing, family circumstances and access to supportive environments. Conversations about health should be respectful and should never leave a young person feeling blamed or ashamed.
Children and teenagers grow at different rates, and their needs change as they develop. If there are concerns about a young person’s growth or health, a GP, school nurse or other qualified health professional can offer appropriate advice.
Make healthy habits part of everyday life
Small, realistic changes can help create routines that support wellbeing. These might include sharing regular meals when possible, making water readily available, or finding enjoyable ways to be active. Walking, dancing, cycling, playing sport and active games can all count as movement. The best activities are often the ones a young person enjoys and can keep doing.
Sleep matters too. A calm bedtime routine and a regular sleep schedule can support energy, mood and concentration. It can also help to make time for rest and relaxation, rather than treating health as a list of rules to follow.
Encourage, don’t criticise
Young people are influenced by the way adults talk about food, bodies and exercise. Avoiding teasing, comparisons and comments about someone’s size can help create a safer environment. Focus instead on how habits can support energy, strength, mood and enjoyment.
Listening is just as important as giving advice. Ask young people what they enjoy, what makes healthy choices difficult and what kind of support would help. Involving them in planning meals or choosing activities can give them a greater sense of confidence and control.
Creating supportive environments
Young people should not be expected to manage health challenges alone. Schools, clubs, families and local organisations can help by providing welcoming opportunities for movement, access to nutritious food and support for mental wellbeing. These opportunities should be inclusive, affordable and free from judgement.
Every young person deserves the chance to feel supported as they grow. By focusing on wellbeing, compassion and practical changes, we can help create healthier environments where young people can thrive.
8 Tips to Help Young People Thrive
- Be curious and keep learning.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Make time for friends and family.
- Look after your physical and mental health.
- Try new things, even if they feel daunting.
- Learn from mistakes without being too hard on yourself.
- Set small goals and celebrate your progress.
- Spend time online safely and thoughtfully.
Be curious and keep learning.
Be curious and keep learning: asking questions, exploring new interests and trying different activities can help young people discover what they enjoy and what they are good at. Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom; it can come from books, conversations, hobbies and everyday experiences. Encourage curiosity without worrying about getting everything right first time—mistakes are a natural part of learning and can help build confidence, independence and resilience.
Ask for help when you need it.
Asking for help is a positive step, not a sign of weakness. If you’re feeling worried, overwhelmed or unsure about your health, talk to someone you trust, such as a parent, carer, teacher, school nurse or GP. Sharing what’s on your mind can make things feel more manageable and help you find the right support.
Make time for friends and family.
Making time for friends and family can support a young person’s wellbeing and help them feel connected. Sharing a meal, going for a walk, having a chat or enjoying a favourite activity together can strengthen relationships and create positive routines. Even when life is busy, small moments of quality time can make a meaningful difference.
Look after your physical and mental health.
Looking after your physical and mental health can help you feel better, build confidence and manage the ups and downs of growing up. Try to eat a varied diet, get enough sleep and find activities you enjoy, while making time to relax and talk to someone you trust when things feel difficult. There’s no need to make big changes all at once: small, positive steps can make a difference.
Try new things, even if they feel daunting.
Trying something new can feel daunting, especially when you are unsure what to expect, but taking a small first step can help build confidence and reveal interests you never knew you had. Whether it is joining a club, learning a skill or meeting new people, give yourself time to find your feet and remember that you do not have to be good at something straight away. Share the experience with someone you trust if that makes it easier, and celebrate having a go.
Learn from mistakes without being too hard on yourself.
Young people learn and grow through experience, and mistakes are a normal part of that process. Instead of being too hard on yourself, try to think about what happened, what you might do differently next time and what you’ve learned. Treating yourself with patience and kindness can make it easier to move forward with confidence.
Set small goals and celebrate your progress.
Set small, realistic goals to make healthy changes feel more manageable. You might choose to add a short walk to your day or try a new activity you enjoy. Every step forward counts, so take time to celebrate your progress and remember that building lasting habits takes patience.
Spend time online safely and thoughtfully.
Spending time online can help young people learn, connect and have fun, but it’s important to do so safely and thoughtfully. Protect personal information, use privacy settings, and think carefully before sharing photos or posting comments, as content can be difficult to remove once it’s online. Take breaks, be mindful of how online activity affects your mood, and speak to a trusted adult if something makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.