Girls as young as 7 feel they are held to different beauty standards than boys, according to survey

Even girls as young as seven report feeling subjected to stricter beauty standards compared to the boys their age

The findings of the Girls’ Attitudes Survey revealed that many young girls are becoming increasingly self-conscious about their looks.

It also found that a significant number are considering cosmetic procedures as a way to fix their insecurities.

The research showed that negative self-perceptions are thriving among girls aged 11 to 21, with 59% acknowledging that these thoughts affect their confidence. 

Even girls as young as seven report feeling subjected to stricter beauty standards compared to the boys their age.

Over one-third (34%) of girls aged 7-10 feel that societal expectations of their appearance are higher than for boys, marking an 11% increase from a decade ago. 

Girls consistently report lower self-confidence compared to boys, with this gap widening as they age. 

This declining self-esteem is leading some older girls to consider drastic measures to alter their appearances. 

Notably, 78% of respondents aged 11-21 know peers who are anxious about their body image. 

The survey highlighted alarming trends, including:

• Over half (61%) aged 11-16 expressing a desire to lose weight
• More than a third (37%) in this age group reporting dieting
• 62% aged 11-21 aware of friends or peers who have experienced eating disorders
• Approximately 28% aged 11-16 and nearly half (48%) of those aged 17-21 are considering cosmetic alterations in the future.

The pressures of social media also seem to be exacerbating these issues. 

As teenage girls begin to engage with people their age and idolise older personalities on social media, they are being fed harmful content and unrealistic beauty standards. 

The survey revealed that 44% of girls aged 11-21 have seen images online that made them feel insecure. 

More than half (54%) wish they looked like their filtered online images, and 36% feel compelled to use filters when posting.

In response to these findings, Girlguiding is calling for increased transparency in digital content. 

They are urging governments to mandate clear disclosures when filters, editing software, or artificial intelligence are used in images.

Erin, a 16-year-old Girlguiding advocate, expressed her concerns: "The rise in filter usage on social media is profoundly impacting young girls' confidence.

“Immediate action is essential to address unrealistic beauty standards and ensure that edited images are not normalised."

Angela Salt, CEO of Girlguiding, added: "The impact of appearance pressures on girls is distressing. 

“Our research underscores the urgent need for more transparency online to protect their wellbeing and confidence."

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