Our ‘Why’
Too many Australia Teenage Girls are Suffering
We know that teenage girls across Victoria are struggling with the expectations they are currently facing.
We hear from many of our participants that they feel overwhelmed and disempowered about both their present and future.
Young people are desperately seeking safe spaces to share and process what they are experiencing with their peers. Our workshops provide this experience while trusted role models provide guidance on ways to ask for and receive help.
1 in 5
teenage girls experience eating disorder, self harm/suicidal thoughts
(Liptember, 2022)
What drives us?
6 in 10
Teenagers are experiencing anxiety & body image issues
(Liptember, 2022)
1 in 5
Young people are suffering from “psychological distress” according to the 2021 national census
Almost 50%
of young women reporting a Mental Health disorder according to the 2021 national census
Key factors we see impacting teenage girls are:
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Social Media Impact
Teenage girls are heavily exposed to social media platforms, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, exclusion, comparison, and cyberbullying. The curated image presented on social media can lead to unrealistic body standards and a sense of not measuring up thereby impacting self-esteem and mental well-being. As a communication tool it can also limit the development of emotional intelligence and empathy for one another.
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Body Image Issues
Pressure to conform to societal beauty ideals can lead to body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia among teenage girls. These issues can have severe consequences on their self-esteem and overall mental health.
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Academic Pressure
The academic demands placed on teenager girls, including high expectations for performance and the pressure to excel, can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Balancing academic pursuits with other aspects of life can be overwhelming, contributing to mental health challenges.
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Identity and Gender Bias Struggles
Rigid gender norms that reinforce women and men’s traditional roles, perpetuate binary gender stereotypes and influence relationships and options in life continue to impact young women and gender diverse youth’s sense of identity and self-worth. Gender-diverse youth may face unique challenges related to their gender identity. Discrimination, lack of understanding, and social isolation can lead to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among this group.
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Bullying & Stigma
Bullying (both cyber and in-person) remains a significant issue for teenagers, which can have lasting effects on their mental health.
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Peer & Social Pressure:
Teenager girls often feel immense pressure to fit in with their peers and conform to societal norms. This pressure can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation, especially for those who feel different or outside the norm. This has been exacerbated by Covid 19, with the limited face to face contact and subsequent dependence on technology to connect with peers.
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Lack of Mental Health Education
Many teenager girls might not have access to proper mental health education, support and resources. This lack of knowledge can prevent early recognition of mental health issues and delay seeking help.
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Stigma Surrounding Help-Seeking
Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, stigma around seeking help persists. This can discourage teenager girls from reaching out to professionals or even talking to their peers about their struggles.
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Parental & Family Dynamics
Family relationships and dynamics can significantly impact a teenager's mental health. Strained relationships, lack of communication, or family conflicts can contribute to stress and emotional difficulties
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Access to Support
Access to mental health services varies widely, and not all teenager girls have the agency, resources or support networks necessary to seek professional help when needed. This issue is exacerbated for communities of interest and those with limited financial means.
What we do:
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SAFE SPACES FOR AFFIRMATION, EXPLORATION AND CONNECTION
We deliver youth-informed and evidence-based programs that develop participant self-awareness and cultivate the emotional intelligence and empathy required to forge deep connection to self and with peers, family and community. Our highly trained female and gender diverse facilitators reflect a range of life experiences, acting as role models for the teenagers in the programs.
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AWARENESS AND VISIBILITY
We raise awareness for and promote the issues teenage girls encounter, providing visibility to their stories and experiences, so that appropriate interventions and support are wrapped around them. Australia’s teenagers are inspiring and deserve to be listened to, and our program alumni form a powerful community.
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EMPOWERMENT
We empower teenage girls by linking them to tailored online tools, resources, and networks to support their agency, growth and wellbeing after experiencing our programs.
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PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
We work in partnership with schools, community organisations, sports clubs and other allies who provide learning environments or support services for teenage girls.