Grade 7 Life Orientation Study Guide

Ask a friend to describe you in three words. Then ask someone who knows you really well to do the same. Finally, ask yourself. Three different lists, probably. Who is right? Everyone, in a way. This chapter is about how you know yourself, and why it is one of the most important things to build in these years.

What is self-image?

Self-image is how you feel about yourself and what you think of yourself. It is an inner picture of who you are and what you value about yourself.

People with a healthy self-image believe they are worthy of love, respect and opportunities. They are not perfect — they accept their faults and their strengths equally. People with a low self-image are often too hard on themselves and see only the negative.

The iceberg model

Think of yourself like an iceberg. What other people see of you — your appearance, your voice, your behaviour — is only the TIP that sticks out above the water. That is about 10% of who you really are.

The rest — 90% — is hidden under the water. There lie your thoughts, your dreams, your fears, your values, your beliefs. Nobody sees that except you. Even close friends know only a small part of what goes on below.

This is why it is so important to get to know yourself well. What others see of you is not the real you — it is only the outer layer.

What builds and what breaks self-image?

Self-image is not built in a single day. It grows (or shrinks) over years, based on small things that repeat. Four things BUILD it up:

• Achievements and success. When you master something — learn a song, pass a subject, develop a skill — you get proof that you can do more than you thought.
• Supportive people. Family and friends who believe in you, who praise you for who you are.
• Healthy habits. Sleep enough, eat well, move, wash your body. When you take good care of yourself, your body comes back with more energy and a better mood.
• Being honest with yourself. Admit when you were wrong, own your mistakes, but do not punish yourself over them.

Four things BREAK it down:

• Comparing yourself to others. Social media is especially dangerous here — everyone posts their best moments, never their hard ones. If you compare your whole life to someone's highlights, you always feel inadequate.
• Harsh criticism. Both from others and from yourself. "I am so stupid" every time you make a mistake breaks you down over the long term.
• Isolation. People need people. Too long alone, without any connection, and your mind starts to play tricks on you.
• Negative self-talk. How you speak to yourself is how you treat yourself. "I am useless", thought a thousand times, becomes your truth.

How do you start building a healthy self-image?

1. Identify your strengths. What are you GOOD at? Write down five things. Not just school subjects — cooking, sport, dancing, with animals, with small children, with listening.
2. Celebrate small wins. Did you finish a hard task? Slept enough three nights in a row? Said something kind to someone? It counts.
3. Be your own friend. When you make a mistake, ask: "What would I say to a friend in the same situation?" Then say it to yourself.
4. Limit social media. Half an hour on TikTok or Instagram can knock your self-image for the whole day. Be aware of how it makes you feel.
5. Seek help when it feels overwhelming. If feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or self-dislike persist, talk to a trusted adult or call SADAG (0800 567 567) or Childline (116). You do not have to struggle with it alone.

Resources when you are struggling

If you struggle with your self-image or your mood, you are not alone. These numbers are free and confidential:

• SADAG mental-health line: 0800 567 567 (24 hours, daily)
• Childline SA: 116 (24 hours, for anyone under 18)
• SADAG SMS: 31393 (if you cannot talk)

If you ever think of hurting yourself, please talk to a trusted adult or call one of these numbers straight away. You do not have to be alone with difficult feelings.

Remember this

• Self-image = how you feel and think about yourself.
• The ICEBERG model: 90% of who you are, nobody sees.
• Builds it up: achievements, supportive people, healthy habits, honesty.
• Breaks it down: comparison, harsh criticism, isolation, negative self-talk.
• Help is always available — Childline 116, SADAG 0800 567 567.