“Everyone else has it sorted.”
Separate what we can see from what we are assuming about another person’s life.
Explore our sessionsComparisons
SELF-WORTH · IDENTITY · DIGITAL PERSPECTIVE
Comparisons
steal joy.
Your worth is not a competition.
A highlight reel. A test result. Someone else’s success. This 50-minute session helps young people notice comparison, recognise their own strengths and choose a fairer way to see themselves.
50 minutesOne focused sessionKS2 · KS3 · KS4Adapted to age and stageSchools & youth groupsAssembly or group delivery
Someone else’s success
does not make you less.
REAL PRESSURES. PRACTICAL LEARNING.
A fairer view
of yourself.
Comparing can provide information, but it can also turn into harsh self-judgement. Pupils explore how edited images, popularity and achievement can hide the fuller picture, and how to notice strengths that are not measured in likes or rankings.
“Their post got more likes than mine.”
Explore why online reactions are not a reliable measure of someone’s value.
“I’ll never be as good as them.”
Practise a more specific, kinder response that leaves room for learning and progress.
Fictional scenarios for discussion. Pupils are not asked to disclose personal experiences.
WHAT WE EXPLORE
Learning that makes room
for a different response.
Spot the comparison
Notice where comparisons happen and how they can affect feelings and behaviour.
Question the picture
Discuss what a post, result or first impression can leave out.
Name your strengths
Recognise interests, qualities and contributions beyond appearance or status.
Choose your next step
Focus on a personal goal, supportive connection or healthier digital habit.
WHAT PUPILS WILL PRACTISE
Make the message
your own.
Storytelling, guided discussion and practical activities help young people explore the theme. By the end, pupils will have had opportunities to:
- Recognise a comparison thought and distinguish a fact from an assumption.
- Name personal strengths and practise a fairer response to self-criticism.
- Choose one realistic action that supports their own progress.
INSIDE THE 50 MINUTES
A clear session.
Space to participate.
A proposed structure, adapted with staff to the audience and format. Assemblies use guided reflection; smaller groups allow more discussion and practice.
- 00–05MINUTES
Set the scene
Agree ground rules and introduce everyday comparison.
- 05–15MINUTES
Look beyond the surface
Discuss fictional examples and what information might be missing.
- 15–30MINUTES
Change the inner commentary
Distinguish facts from assumptions and practise kinder alternatives.
- 30–42MINUTES
Create your own measure
Develop a strengths statement, verse or progress card.
- 42–50MINUTES
Choose one next step
Check learning, identify support and set a manageable personal action.
THE RIGHT APPROACH FOR EACH AGE
One theme.
Age-appropriate delivery.
Key Stage 2
Concrete examples about games, learning and friendship help pupils name strengths and practise kind self-talk. Digital examples are selected with staff for the year group.
Key Stage 3
Explore friendship, appearance, achievement and online popularity, distinguishing a curated impression from a whole life.
Key Stage 4
Consider identity, exam pressure and future pathways, with goals based on personal values rather than someone else’s timeline.
Content and accessibility are agreed with staff, including SEND adaptations. A school or youth-setting staff member remains present, with safeguarding and follow-up routes agreed beforehand. Pupils may pass, reflect quietly or seek support.
PSHE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
A starting point for
continued conversation.
Use the session within PSHE, an enrichment day, an assembly or pastoral provision. Relevant learning themes include self-worth, understanding feelings, media literacy and healthy digital habits. Staff can revisit a fictional scenario or pupil action plan afterwards.
The session complements your school’s wider teaching and support. It is not counselling, a substitute for specialist support or a complete statutory curriculum.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Bring Comparisons Steal Joy
to your young people.
A 50-minute session shaped around your group, with clear learning aims and space for their own voices.
Enquire about this session