BBC – Smitha Mundasad
“The number of schoolgirls at risk of emotional problems has risen sharply, an English study in the Journal of Adolescent Health suggests. Scientists analysed questionnaires completed by 1,600 pupils aged 11-13 in 2009, comparing them with similar surveys conducted five years later. They were “surprised” by a 7% spike in girls reporting emotional issues while boys’ answers remained fairly stable. Charities are concerned pressures are particularly affecting girls. Scientists found that social, peer and behavioural problems remained relatively constant for boys and girls across the five years. But the rise in emotional issues reported by girls suggested they faced unique pressures, the researchers suggested. They said reasons behind this could include a drive to achieve unrealistic body images perpetuated by social media and an increasing sexualisation of young women.”(more)