8 Teen Role Models You Need To Follow TODAY!

By Marium Tariq

My Instagram feed used to be an insane mental pressure cooker 3 years ago! It was this seemingly endless stream of models and influencers with their perfectly curated, filtered lives. I felt like everyone else had their life together while I was still trying to figure out how to adult properly.

We've all been there, right? It's a never-ending highlight reel of perfect vacations, #OOTDs, and those oh-so-healthy-looking smoothie bowls that make you question your own choices in life.

Every time I scrolled through that meticulously crafted illusion of a perfect life, I felt like I could just run away from my life for a few moments. But as soon as the reality hit, I couldn’t help but compare myself to my Instagram feed. My mental health was in shambles; I had almost zero self-esteem, and I never felt good enough!

But that had to change! And I can show you just how I did that…

In this digital age, you've got the power to curate your online world, and I’m here to hook you up with 8 awe-inspiring teen role models who took my social media from "meh" to "heck yeah!"

These girls aren't about the glitz and glamour; they're all about real talk, motivation, and empowerment. By hitting that "follow" button on these incredible young women, you're not just scrolling through more content – you're embarking on a journey to discover the magic of resilience, the awesomeness of determination, and the incredible impact one person can make on our planet.

So, let's dive in together, find the right people to follow, and make our mental and physical health a priority. Trust us, it's worth it! 🌟🧠💪

Autumn Peltier: Your Teen Role Model for Change!

Introducing Autumn Peltier, the teen activist you need on your Instagram radar! Autumn is not just your average teenager; she's a global advocate for clean water and environmental justice — all at the tender age of 19!

Her impressive resume includes speaking at the United Nations, earning a nomination for the International Children's Peace Prize, and tirelessly fighting for clean water access in Indigenous communities. Now, that’s the kind of inspiration our Instagrams need, right?

Instagram Handle: @AutumnPeltier

Why You Should Follow Her: Following Autumn means joining a movement for a cleaner, fairer world. Her posts inspire action, educate on water issues, and remind us that age is no barrier to making a positive impact. Plus, she's proof that teens have the power to change the world, one post at a time! 🌊💪🌎

Mikaila Ulmer: Teen Entrepreneurial Inspiration

Say hello to Mikaila Ulmer, the teen entrepreneur taking the world by storm. She's yet another passionate 19-year-old who founded Me & the Bees Lemonade, a buzzing business success story.

Mikaila's sweet journey includes being featured on Shark Tank, securing major partnerships, and donating a portion of her profits to save the bees.

Instagram handle: @mikaila.ulmer @mikailasbees

Why You Should Follow Her: Mikaila’s posts offer a behind-the-scenes look at her business adventures, tips for budding young entrepreneurs, and remind us that age is no barrier to achieving your dreams. Get ready to be inspired and motivated by her buzzworthy journey! 🍋🐝🚀

Malala Yousafzai: Global Inspiration and Education Advocate

Malala Yousafzai is a remarkable teen advocate for girls' education and a global inspiration. She's a Nobel laureate, an author, and a tireless champion for girls' rights to education worldwide. And even though she’s no longer a teenager, her incredible story and a 5-feet long list of achievements leave me no choice but to include her in my list of amazing teen role models!

Malala's journey includes surviving a life-threatening attack by the Taliban for pursuing education “despite” being a girl, co-authoring the memoir I Am Malala, and becoming the youngest Nobel Prize recipient in history.

Instagram handle: @malala

Why You Should Follow Her: Malala's Instagram provides a window into her world, where you'll discover her ongoing work for girls' education through the Malala Fund. She regularly shares powerful stories of girls around the globe fighting for their right to learn, offering insight into the transformative impact of education on young lives. So, hit that follow button and join the movement for a brighter, more equitable future! 📚🌍🌟

Gitanjali Rao: Teen Innovation Prodigy

Get ready to meet Gitanjali Rao, the teen innovator and scientist extraordinaire, making waves on Instagram as @gitanjaliarao. She's a Time magazine Kid of the Year, a STEM superstar, and an advocate for youth-driven change.

Gitanjali's journey includes inventing devices to tackle global issues, giving TED Talks, and inspiring countless young minds with her brilliance.

Instagram handle: @gitanjaliarao

Why You Should Follow Her: Gitanjali's Instagram is a treasure trove of innovation and insight. She shares glimpses of her latest inventions, including devices to detect lead in water and tools to combat cyberbullying. Her commitment to using science and technology to address pressing issues reminds us all that young minds have the power to shape a brighter future.

JazzJennings: Trailblazing Voice for Transgender Youth!

Jazz Jennings is a remarkable teen transgender activist and television personality. She's a powerful advocate for transgender rights and a symbol of hope for gender-diverse youth everywhere.

Jazz was born a boy but went through gender dysphoria as young as 4, making her the youngest publicly identified transgender. Jazz starred in a TV show, I Am Jazz, showcasing her journey as a trans teen, and later authored a book, Being Jazz, sharing her struggles with gender identity.

Instagram handle: @jazzjennings

Why You Should Follow Her: Through heartfelt posts, she shares her own experiences, the unwavering support of her family, and her ongoing mission to foster understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for all gender identities. Her Instagram serves as a powerful platform to inspire self-love, engage in conversations about gender identity, and amplify the message of embracing diversity. Jazz's story reminds us all that embracing one's true self can lead to positive change and acceptance, and her journey is an empowering reminder to stand up for inclusivity.

X González: Resilient Teen Advocate for Gun Control

X González, formerly known as Emma González, survived the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, which is dubbed the deadliest high school shooting in all of American history. Instead of spending the rest of their life being held back by the trauma, X rose as an activist for gun control and co-founded the gun-control advocacy group Never Again MSD.

X is a powerhouse of activism — their socials are full of posts that scream her passion for gun control. They're all about making sure that our schools and communities are safer from gun violence. X is not just talking the talk; they're walking the walk. Remember the March for Our Lives movement? Yeah, they were a big part of that, and their impact is still felt today.

Instagram handle: @emmawise18

Why You Should Follow Them: If you're looking for a dose of real-world change and are tired of sitting on the sidelines, X is your go-to. They openly share her struggles with mental health, anxiety, and rage and post her efforts to end gun violence. X’s journey shows that age doesn't mean squat when it comes to making things happen.

Millie Bobby Brown: Your Netflix Binge-Watching Buddy!

Out of all the insanely talented teen celebrities ruling our screens lately, Millie has to be my favorite! Now, she might be a Hollywood superstar, but trust me, she's not your typical teen celebrity – she's a talented actress, an advocate for kindness, and an all-around ray of sunshine in the world of social media.

You probably know Millie best as Eleven from the hit Netflix series Stranger Things or Sherlock’s sister in Enola Holmes. But her talent goes way beyond the screen. She's all about spreading kindness and doing good stuff in the world, and that's pretty inspiring. Even with all her fame and success, she's just down-to-earth with her graceful and poised demeanor.

Instagram handle: @milliebobbybrown

Why You Should Follow Her: When Millie is not acting her heart out, she uses her social media platforms for good. Her Instagram is all about spreading love, self-acceptance, and inspiring young people to be themselves. Plus, she's a fashion icon, so you'll get plenty of style inspo too! Whether she's sharing her favorite skincare tips or posting heartwarming messages, Millie's Insta is a feel-good space in the digital world.

Greta Thunberg: The Climate Change Warrior!

Hold onto your eco-friendly hats, folks, because Greta Thunberg, the climate change warrior, is here to make waves! Greta's a global sensation, an environmental activist, and a force to be reckoned with.

Greta first learned about climate change when she was only 8 years old. She took world leaders’ lack of commitment to manage eco-challenges so much to her heart that she battled depression for 4 years and lost 10 kg in only 2 months! But that was when she decided to do something about it herself and has since participated in several campaigns, protests, TED talks, strikes, and climate activism.

RELATED: If you feel like you could use some help with your mental health, read Navigating Mental Health As A Teenager for a start.

Instagram handle: @gretathunberg

Why You Should Follow Her: Greta's Instagram is like a hub of all things climate action. She shares the latest updates on her mission to combat climate change, from attending world summits to rallying with fellow young activists. Greta's no-nonsense approach and fierce determination have made her a leading voice in fighting for our planet. Her posts encourage us to take action, reduce our carbon footprint, and demand change from our leaders.

Are You Ready To Hit That Follow Button?

So, there you have it – a fantastic lineup of teen girl role models setting the world on fire, one remarkable post at a time! 🚀✨

These teen role models are like stars in our galaxy, each one shining brightly in their unique way. They inspire us to dream big, stand up for what's right, and create change, regardless of age or background.

So, which teen role model speaks to your heart the most? Whose journey are you eager to follow?

Remember: you, too, can be a role model, shaping the world in your own extraordinary way. So, let's celebrate these amazing teen girls and keep our eyes on the horizon – who knows what incredible stories and inspirations await us next?