How one perceives themselves has a direct effect on an individual’s physical and psychological health. Research has shown over 80 % of 10-year-old girls are afraid of being fat. By middle school, 40-70% of girls are dissatisfied with two or more parts of their body, and body satisfaction plummets between the ages of 12 and 15.
New York City has become the first city nationwide to combat the growing issue of self-esteem with the NYC Girl’s Project.
The NYC Girl’s Project is a multi-faceted initiative to help girls realize their value comes from the building of character, and skills. Partnering agencies include The Human Resources Administration, The Center for Economic Opportunity, The NYC Commission on Women’s Issues, The Administration for Children’s Services, The Department of Youth and Community Development, and The Department of Education and Parks & Recreation. The campaign features posters of a diverse group of girls performing various activities and drawing slogans such as: “I’m a girl.” “I’m smart, a leader, adventurous, friendly, funny.” “I’m beautiful the way I am.”
In addition, The Paley Center for Media has developed two classes for its K-12 education program.
As a mother of a daughter reaching puberty, this subject is one of great concern. It’s imperative for young women entering such a critical stage of life to comprehend that a positive self-image plays a crucial role in all they’ll become and achieve.
A 2010 study conducted by The Girl Scouts of the USA and The Dove Self-Esteem Fund concluded 47% of girls say fashion magazines give them a body image to strive for.
In the wake of the barrage of messages that are sent to our tween and teenage girls that state the contrary, we as parents, educators and health professionals are tasked to show them that real beauty resides from within. I commend the City of New York for being the first to address and offer a solution for such a serious topic.
To learn more about NYC Girl’s Project visit, http://www.nyc.gov/html/girls/html/home/home.shtml.
The Kenkou Group Blog 2012
