New research has revealed the significant decline in girls’ confidence and enjoyment in physical activity as they enter puberty. The study, released by the Youth Sport Trust on International Day of the Girl, highlights the increasing impact of this trend on their physical activity levels and overall well-being throughout their teenage years and into adulthood.
The survey, which received responses from over 15,000 girls and boys aged 7 to 18, shows that most girls in the UK begin their period at around 12 years old, which coincides with a rapid decline in their confidence and enjoyment of physical education (PE). In contrast, the experiences and attitudes of boys remain relatively consistent across all age groups.
Funded by Sport England National Lottery Funding, the Youth Sport Trust Girls Active survey has been running since 2016. This year’s results show a worrying trend, with key findings including:
– A dramatic decrease in the number of girls who enjoy PE as they progress through school. While 86% of girls aged 7 to 8 report enjoying PE, this drops to only 56% of girls aged 14 to 15.
– A lack of confidence is a significant barrier for girls aged 14 to 15, with 46% reporting that it stops them from being physically active. This is in contrast to only 26% of girls aged 7 to 8.
– Girls’ confidence in their PE kit also decreases as they enter puberty, with only 23% of girls aged 14 to 15 feeling confident in their PE attire. This is in stark contrast to 65% of girls aged 7 to 8. Additionally, 61% of girls aged 11 and over worry about leaking in their PE kit and 58% would like more options to choose from.
– Girls are calling for more empathy and support from teachers, coaches, and peers to encourage them to continue participating. However, 42% of girls aged 11 and over do not feel comfortable discussing their period with their PE teacher, despite the significant impact it has on their confidence.
The Youth Sport Trust’s Girls Active program aims to address these barriers and empower girls and young women in primary and secondary schools to take positive action through influencing, leading, and inspiring their peers. The results show that 97% of leaders and 58% of participants in the program felt more confident to take part in sport and physical activity.
Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, commented on the findings, saying, “Sadly, we are not currently getting it right for girls in the UK when it comes to providing positive experiences of PE, Sport, and Play in schools. We must proactively support girls through puberty, listening to and responding to their needs if we are to build their confidence and capability. Without this support, we know their experiences at school can alienate them from sport and physical activity for life.”
The Girls Active program, which has been developed and evolved over two decades, offers a blueprint for all schools. However, the Youth Sport Trust is constantly seeking new partners and funders to help extend the reach of the program.
The organization is calling on the government to support schools in improving access to PE, Sport, and Play for girls by empowering them to make choices about their attire and the delivery of activities, increasing opportunities for physical activity throughout the school day, and providing training for teachers to tackle gender stereotypes and educate students about body confidence and female biology.
LEGO Team Unstoppable Ambassador and England footballer Lauren Hemp, who works in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust to tackle barriers faced by girls, commented on the findings, saying, “It’s disappointing to see such a drop in confidence and enjoyment in PE for girls as they go through puberty. What’s equally concerning is that this can affect attitudes to physical activity throughout your life, which can have a huge negative impact on well-being, health, and quality of life. It’s so important we listen to girls and increase opportunities for them to be active in a way that works for them.”
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