New Research Reveals Significant Drop in Girls’ Confidence and Enjoyment in Physical Activity During Puberty
On this year’s International Day of the Girl, children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust shared new research highlighting the concerning decline in confidence and enjoyment of physical activity among girls as they enter puberty. The findings also shed light on the long-term impact of this trend on their wellbeing throughout their teenage years and into adulthood.
According to the Youth Sport Trust Girls Active survey, which has been funded by Sport England National Lottery Funding since 2016, the majority of girls in the UK begin their period at around 12 years of age. This is also the age where their confidence to participate in and enjoyment of physical education (PE) dramatically decreases, while boys’ attitudes and experiences remain relatively consistent across all age groups.
The survey received responses from more than 15,000 girls and boys aged between 7 and 18. Some key findings from this year’s survey include:
– The number of girls who enjoy PE drops significantly as they progress through school. While 86% of girls aged 7 to 8 report enjoying PE, only 56% of girls aged 14 to 15 share the same sentiment.
– 46% of girls aged 14-15 cite a lack of confidence as a barrier to being physically active, compared to 26% of girls aged 7-8.
– The issue of PE kit is a major concern for girls, especially during puberty. Only 23% of girls aged 14 to 15 feel confident in their PE kit, in stark contrast to 65% of girls aged 7 to 8. Additionally, 61% of girls aged 11 and over worry about experiencing leakage in their PE kit, and 58% of girls this age would like to have more options for PE kit.
– Along with more flexible kit options, girls are also seeking more support and empathy from teachers, coaches, and peers to encourage their participation. However, 42% of girls aged 11 and over do not feel comfortable talking to their PE teacher about their period, despite the significant impact it has on their confidence to participate.
The Youth Sport Trust’s Girls Active program aims to address the barriers that girls face and create a movement of empowered girls and young women in primary and secondary schools. The program focuses on developing their skills in influencing, leading, and inspiring their peers. The results show that 97% of leaders and 58% of participants in the program feel 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 providing positive experiences of PE, Sport and Play for girls in the UK. We must proactively support girls through puberty, listen to and respond to their needs, and build their confidence and capability. Without this support, we know their experiences at school can alienate them from sport and physical activity for life.”
She also added, “For too long, society has pressured girls to minimize the effects of puberty and ‘keep calm and carry on,’ an attitude that can instill a deep sense of shame and have negative consequences on how they feel about physical activity and sport. The research also highlights a message from young women and girls – they want more physical activity in school and are particularly motivated by fun, friendship, being fit, and being healthy.”
The Youth Sport Trust is committed to ensuring that all children and young people can experience the life-changing benefits of play and sport. As the new Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, has stated, “The health benefits of sport and play are obvious, and for girls in particular, focusing on what they can achieve helps them develop.”
The Girls Active program, which has been in development for two decades, offers a blueprint for all schools. The Youth Sport Trust is constantly seeking new partners and funders to help expand the reach of the program.
The Youth Sport Trust and LEGO Group are proud to work together to address the barriers that girls face, empower them to make positive changes through participation in sport and play. In response to the survey results, LEGO Team Unstoppable Ambassador and England footballer Lauren Hemp stated, “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 towards physical activity throughout their lives, which can have a significant negative impact on their overall wellbeing, health, and quality of life. It’s crucial that we listen to girls and provide more opportunities for them to be active in a way that works for them.”
The Youth Sport Trust is calling on the government to support schools in improving access to PE, Sport, and Play for girls by:
– Listening to girls and empowering them to make choices about the kit they wear and how activities are delivered to boost their confidence.
– Increasing opportunities for girls to be physically active throughout
