Girls believe that they are judged on their beauty and not brains, according to a new survey.
According to the Girlguiding’s Girls’ Attitudes Survey 2016, more than one in three young girls say people make them think that the most important thing about them is how they look.
The survey also found that a quarter of girls aged seven to ten felt they needed to be perfect. Almost 15 per cent of these girls also feel embarrassed or ashamed of how they look.
One in three of these girls also agreed that women are judged more on their appearance than their ability. They also said that the most important thing to improve their lives would be to stop judging women and girls on the way they look.
Liddy Buswell, 18, is a Girlguiding advocate and Brownie leader. Commenting about the Girlguiding’s survey, she said, “I’m shocked but not surprise by the Girls’ Attitudes Survey findings.”
“As a Brownie Leader, I’ve experience these issues first-hand. I’ve witnessed girls unwilling to speak to groups because of how they look, I’ve heard girls saying they’ve been called names at school and aren’t confident trying new activities as a result.”
“No girls should have to worry about the way she looks – she should be having fun and enjoying herself. This year’s survey is a damning indication that something needs to be done to tackle this growing issue.”
Becky Hewitt, Girlguiding director said, “This year’s Girls’ Attitudes Survey demonstrates the shocking impact that focusing on girls’ appearance is having on the youngest girls in society.”
“Girls have told us to stop judging them on how they look.”
“Every day in guiding, girls inspire us with their bravery, sense of adventure and their kindness.”
“We are calling on everyone to show girls that they are valued for who they are – not what they look like.”
You can download the full report here.
