As her mum, I snap a candid shot, but she has to hide her face. Her mindset has her over-analyse and undermine her self-confidence. Social media has taught her to hide away her flaws or she won’t conform to the materialistic ideas that are influenced upon her.  

This is the harsh reality faced by many rural teenage girls who constantly compare themselves to the ‘city’ girls. Afraid to be themselves and advocate for who they are, they will simply hideaway. The distance and the location of rural communities is enough. Let’s not silence them either. Teach, support and encourage self-worth.