Social media and exam pressures mean just 1 in 4 girls ‘very happy’

The proportion of girls who say they are ‘very happy’ has almost halved in the past decade amid growing exam and social media pressures, research shows.

Rising numbers are subjected to ‘offensive’ behaviour online, while many are not satisfied with their appearance.

The annual Girls’ Attitude Survey from Girlguiding UK paints a worrying picture of the stresses facing children today.

Researchers surveyed 1,903 girls and young women, aged seven to 21, and found that only 25 per cent were ‘very happy’ – down from 41 per cent in 2009.

Sixty-nine per cent of those aged 11 to 21 said exams and tests were the main cause of stress, with 59 per cent citing pressure from social media.

The report warns there is a ‘long way to go until all girls feel positive and happy’.

Seventy-one per cent of 11 to 21-yearolds know a girl who has experienced mental health problems – up from 62 per cent in 2015.

Forty-one per cent of 17 to 21-year-olds are ‘not happy’ with the way they look, compared to 30 per cent in 2009.

Among 11 to 16-year-olds, the proportion remained the same, at 29 per cent.

More than half – 53 per cent – say that bloggers and youtubers ‘ create the idea of being perfect that is unrealistic and unachievable’.

And 30 per cent of 11 to 21-year- olds admitted they would consider cosmetic procedures such as lip fillers or Botox.

The report adds: ‘Visual social media was less widespread ten years ago. now, girls are more exposed to pressures to upload “selfies”, which can lead to constant comparing of their image with others online.’

Girlguiding’s 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. It’s not good enough that today girls are unhappier and more of them are experiencing problems with their mental health than in previous years.’