This report, funded by Sport England, shows the survey findings of over 4,000 adolescent girls and boys. It finds that too many girls are disengaging from sport and exercise in their teens. This is huge compared to boys – a significant missed opportunity.
The report highlights that complex barriers and deep-rooted negative attitudes are affecting enjoyment:
Feel judged (61%)
Lack self belief (50%)
Pressures of schoolwork (41%)
Don’t feel safe exercising outside (38%)This generation of teenage girls are experiencing worrying mental health issues and report being less happy, more anxious and increasingly dissatisfied with their appearance. The pandemic has, in many instances, simply amplified these issues for many girls.
An underlying narrative prevails; that girls are not as competitive; that sport is not important for girls; that they will never be as good at it compared to boys; that sport can be at odds with femininity. Add to that the harassment and unwanted attention teenage girls are subject to when exercising and quite simply, taking part becomes a burden, instead of bringing freedom and joy.
In particular, there is deep concern about the number of girls who disengage from sport and exercise post primary
school, with a further dip at age 17-18, once school sport is no longer compulsory.