While self-esteem issues are synonymous with growing up for boys and girls, the rapidly rising numbers of young girls attempting suicide and self-harm (both more common among girls than boys) is a strong signal that some issues need to be addressed in a subtler and more gender-specific way. It goes without saying that girls face different pressures compared to boys. It's a dangerous cycle of cause and consequence that can see girls and young women inflicting serious harm on themselves - often exhibited in the relationship girls have with food as they grow up. While a fifth of boys will be obese by 2020, with girls the figure is a third. On the flip side, research shows girls as young as five are now weight-conscious and prone to dieting.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
