New research shows worrying insights into issues facing young girls in Ireland

This is shocking

The Shona Project and its partners at The Youth Lab and the Irish Secondary Students Union, which reveals worrying data on Irish teenage girls' confidence, fears and mental health. In the past six months alone, teenage girls claimed that because of social media they struggled with low body image (61 per cent), feeling isolated (55 per cent), low self-esteem (52 per cent) and low mental health (48 per cent).

When looking at the threats facing them day-to-day, 61 per cent of teen girls feel unsafe in the evening and night time, 56 per cent of girls don’t know what they would do if they experienced bullying and a third of respondents agreed that their parents don’t have a good understanding of what's going on in their lives.

When it comes to sports, almost half (42 per cent) of teen girls in Ireland have given up sports in the last 24 months, the main reason being a lack of motivation to attend.

Tammy Darcy, Founder and CEO of The Shona Project said:

“Like everyone else, the young women we work with have been hugely affected by recent historic world events. They are feeling more stressed, isolated and anxious than ever before. SHINE allows us to provide them with the inspiration they need right now, and invite them to become part of an empowering movement of women who are strong, resilient and authentic.”

The Shona Project is a movement that tackles difficulties facing girls aged 11 and upwards living in Ireland in the era of social media – bullying, low self-esteem, body issues, anxiety, and depression. Founded by Tammy Darcy, The Shona Project’s mission is to educate, empower and inspire today’s girls to become tomorrow’s strong, confident leaders.

If you have a daughter that is dealing with low self esteem you can get advice from the Shona website here.