Girls Self Esteem drops sharply from 11 – 14 years old, more significantly than boys. Girl’s and boy’s mental wellness are pretty similar through primary school and it isn’t until 14 that there starts to be marked differences, according to the research. (source below & on Girl Stats page)
Girls are also disproportionately affected by social media as a teen, and truly, all media’s influence. Did you know that by the age of 3 girls are already negatively affected in terms of their body image.
Possibly most upsetting and one key fundamental that drives me is that girls are still second class citizens in many countries on earth, including in some first world countries. Girls deserve to have the focus until we are equal on this planet.
In saying that, the self-worth themes, concepts and tools in this program are universal. I welcome anyone that wants to take the course to take it and use the tools and concepts that fit for you in your life. There could be adult men who takes this course and use a tool or concept that benefits them. The advice and tools are open for whoever wants to use them, no matter your age in life or gender or sexual orientation including 2SLGBTQI+ which is the current acronym used in Canada and many of my closest friends are represented by one of those letters.
However, the examples and my stories in the program are of that of a pre-teen and teen girl and so those won’t be as relatable to everyone.
A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that was published in early February 2023 found that, in 2021, 57% of high school girls reported experiencing “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year,” up from 36% in 2011. That’s nearly twice as high as the 29% of males who reported having those feelings in 2021. This study also saw significant increases in the percentage of youth who seriously considered suicide, made a suicide plan, and attempted suicide.
In 2021, nearly 30% of female students drank alcohol during the past 30 days.
Almost 20% of female students experienced sexual violence by anyone during the past year and 14% had ever been physically forced to have sex (that felt comfortable admitting it to the researchers but we can guess this number is higher).
In 2021, almost 60% of female students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year and nearly 25% made a suicide plan.
The research done by The Prince’s Trust and the Education Policy Institute concluded that while the transition from childhood to adolescence has a massive impact on mental health and wellness, it is a particularly stark turning point for girls.
Sources:
Forbes, Alice Broster
CDC Report, 2023
Prince's Trust & Education Policy Institute, 2021