Girlguiding survey finds huge decline in happiness of young women and girls
Happiness levels of young women and girls have dropped drastically in a decade, according to new research from Girlguiding.
Over the past decade, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have experienced huge boosts in popularity, to the point that the average person in the UK now checks their phone every 12 minutes.
This power of social media has taken its toll on the mental health of many girls and young women though, as outlined by the research results.
Just 25% of girls and young women between the ages of seven and 21 described themselves as “very happy” – down from 41% in 2009.
The oldest were the least happy – 27% of young women aged 17 to 21 said they did not feel happy, up from 11% in 2009. Their unhappiness in turn affected their confidence (61%), health (50%), relationships (49%) and studies (39%).
59% of girls and young women aged between 11 and 21 years old said that social media is one of the main causes of stress among girls in their age group, with 69% attributing the pressure of taking exams and tests as the main reason for stress.
Girlguiding surveyed 1,903 girls and young women aged between seven and 21 between March and May 2018 as part of its research.
Chief guide, Amanda Medler, said: “The message could not be clearer from girls and young women about the seriousness of the issues they’re facing daily and the negative impact on their lives.
“Girls need to know when they speak out they will be heard. So now is the time for action, to listen to girls and respond, and for all organisations, government, schools and parents to work together to improve the lives of all girls and young women.”
Are you concerned that social media is having a negative effect on your child’s happiness? 'Virtually Me - Your manifesto for online life' is aimed at young people aged 10+ and aims to encourage them to better understand both the good and bad sides of social media.
An activity book, children can work through it at their preferred rate and will eventually allow them to create their own personal guide for getting the best out of the internet – and doing so safely. If you know a young person that spends a lot of time on social media, pick up a copy of Virtually Me if give them a chance of using social media safely.
Over the past decade, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have experienced huge boosts in popularity, to the point that the average person in the UK now checks their phone every 12 minutes.
This power of social media has taken its toll on the mental health of many girls and young women though, as outlined by the research results.
Just 25% of girls and young women between the ages of seven and 21 described themselves as “very happy” – down from 41% in 2009.
The oldest were the least happy – 27% of young women aged 17 to 21 said they did not feel happy, up from 11% in 2009. Their unhappiness in turn affected their confidence (61%), health (50%), relationships (49%) and studies (39%).
59% of girls and young women aged between 11 and 21 years old said that social media is one of the main causes of stress among girls in their age group, with 69% attributing the pressure of taking exams and tests as the main reason for stress.
Girlguiding surveyed 1,903 girls and young women aged between seven and 21 between March and May 2018 as part of its research.
Chief guide, Amanda Medler, said: “The message could not be clearer from girls and young women about the seriousness of the issues they’re facing daily and the negative impact on their lives.
“Girls need to know when they speak out they will be heard. So now is the time for action, to listen to girls and respond, and for all organisations, government, schools and parents to work together to improve the lives of all girls and young women.”
Are you concerned that social media is having a negative effect on your child’s happiness? 'Virtually Me - Your manifesto for online life' is aimed at young people aged 10+ and aims to encourage them to better understand both the good and bad sides of social media.
An activity book, children can work through it at their preferred rate and will eventually allow them to create their own personal guide for getting the best out of the internet – and doing so safely. If you know a young person that spends a lot of time on social media, pick up a copy of Virtually Me if give them a chance of using social media safely.