GIRLS and young women say they are unhappier with their lives now than they were a decade ago. 

Only a quarter of females aged between 7 and 21 described themselves as "very happy" with their lives, while 27 per cent say they are unhappy, a major survey found.

The stress of exams and the constant peer pressure from social media have been blamed for the rise in unhappiness, and also for an increase in the number reporting mental health problems. 

However, girls and young women are more likely to speak out on matters that affect them today then they were a decade ago, the Girlguiding’s annual Girls’ Attitudes Survey found.

The Herald:

The research is designed to capture a snapshot of what it is like to be a girl and young woman in the modern world, and reveal the issues that affect their lives such as body confidence, online pressures and gender stereotypes while identifying how their lives have changed.

This year's survey of 2,000 people found that almost three out of four 11-21- year olds say they know a girl who has had a mental health problem, a rise from 62 per cent in 2015, while almost two thirds say they know others who have experienced an anxiety disorder, an increase from 50% in 2014.

However, fewer girls said they were aware of others who have had depression, a slight drop from 73 per cent in 2014. Girls today are talking more about mental health and feel more able to do so. 

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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. 

“Over the last ten years the insight from the Girls’ Attitudes Survey has helped us support girls and young women and empower them to bring about change, from developing sessions to provide them with the tools to build their mental wellbeing and resilience, to enabling them to make their voices heard on the issues that matter to them. 

“Girls need to know when they speak out they will be heard. So now is the time for action, to listen to girls and respond, and for all organisations, government, schools and parents to work together to improve the lives of all girls and young women.”

The Herald:

The survey also found a rise in the number of girls and young women speaking up to make their views known about an issue they care about,
However, only 60 per cent felt  their voice has been heard and made a difference. 

Period poverty remains an issue girls are vocal, with two thirds of those aged 11-21 saying the government should make menstrual products available for free to young people who can’t afford them.

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Ruyuan, 14, Girlguiding advocate and Girlguiding Scotland member said: “It’s concerning to see that girls’ happiness and confidence in themselves has declined over the last decade. 

"My friends and I know only too well that there are so many challenges and demands that girls face in their everyday lives – whether it’s the pressure to achieve at school or unrealistic expectations created by social media.

“While the figures are definitely a cause for concern, it is encouraging that girls are starting to feel more confident to speak about the issues affecting their life, and that slowly but surely we’re tackling the stigma around mental health." 

"I hope this research will act as a wake-up call to everyone who has a stake in girls’ lives – from politicians to school-teachers, policy-makers to parents, and encourage them to take our voices seriously and work with us to make sure every girl feels safe, happy and empowered.”

The Herald:

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Hannah Brisbane, Girlguiding Scotland’s Lead Volunteer for Voice, added: “Today’s research sends the message loud and clear that girls’ voices matter. As Girlguiding Scotland’s lead volunteer for voice, I’m really encouraged to see more girls than ever before are speaking out on the issues that matter to them. 

“If we really want to make change for girls today and in the future, we have to start by listening to their views and experiences, taking their voices seriously and building on the progress we’ve made to create a truly equal future.”