Girlguiding UK urges young women to seek alternatives to plastic surgery

Girlguiding UK launched the Give Yourself a Chance guidance in response to findings that out of 1,200 girls questioned, half of 16- to 19-year-olds would consider cosmetic surgery.

The guidance, which is backed by the Girlguiding UK youth panel, Mumsnet, the Campaign for Body Confidence and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, offers tips to girls on alternative ways to build their self-esteem and body confidence.

Cathy Fraser, head of Girlguiding UK’s youth panel, said: "Our research has shown the shocking extent to which girls would consider drastic action to change the way they look. Working closely with girls and young women, we are all too aware of the pressures they face to conform to a certain body image."

The online tool is aimed at girls aged 12 to 16 who may not be members of the girlguiding movement.

Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone has also backed the campaign. "The constant pressure to look impossibly perfect, be like skinny celebrities and conform to imposed stereotypes is creating a rising tide of low self-esteem, depression and anxiety among young girls and increasingly boys," she said. "It’s not just the immediate harm that is so concerning. These feelings can consume a life. I want young girls to feel valued not because of what they look like but for what they can contribute and achieve."