Studies show that girls tend to lose self confidence and self worth during this pivotal age, becoming less physically active, performing less well in school, and neglecting their own interests and aspirations. It s during these years that girls become more vulnerable to negative outside influences and to mixed messages about risky behaviors. Subsequent phases will address related issues such as premature sexual activity, physical activity, nutrition, and mental health. Younger girls also tend to be more physically active than older girls. This campaign works to reinforce and sustain these positive values among girls ages 9-14.
Research shows that early adolescence is a critical transition time from childhood to adolescence.
It is a time of experimentation, risk taking, and growing independence. However, girls and boys experience some aspects of early adolescence in different ways, because they encounter different social, cultural, physiological and psychological challenges. For example, research shows that among girls, puberty tends to bring a higher incidence of depression, while among boys, puberty tends to increase the occurrence of aggressive behavior. Substance abuse in particular is an increasing problem among girls. And girls are at particular risk for depression, sedentary lifestyles, sexual abuse, and other problems associated with substance abuse.