Stress is causing many young girls to drink and smoke

Of the girls who took part in the 2010 Girl Guides Attitudes Survey, 82 per cent said smoking was the top health concern among young people, followed by 81 per cent citing binge drinking.

Eating disorders, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy were among the other major health issues raised in the survey.

The survey also found that pressure to look attractive and to achieve good grades at schools was causing many to turn to smoking and drink.

Half of those surveyed believed stress relating to appearance and schoolwork was causing girls to drink and smoke.

Cathy Fraser, Girlguiding UK spokesperson and head of Girlguiding UK’s youth panel advocate, said: "Girls are telling us that the world they are living in can be extremely stressful, which leads to a range of unhealthy behaviours and outcomes. It is vital that we support girls and young women to develop their self-esteem and resilience so they can cope with it."