New research released on International Day of the Girl by children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust highlights a significant decline in the confidence and enjoyment girls experience in physical activity once they enter puberty. This decline has lasting effects on their physical activity levels and wellbeing, affecting them through their teenage years and into adulthood.
Most girls in the UK begin their periods at around age 12, a time when their confidence and enjoyment of physical education (PE) sharply decline, as revealed in this year’s Youth Sport Trust Girls Active survey. In contrast, the survey shows that boys’ experiences and attitudes towards PE remain relatively consistent throughout their school years.
The Youth Sport Trust Girls Active survey, funded by Sport England National Lottery Funding, has been running since 2016 and this year gathered responses from over 15,000 children aged 7 to 18. The findings highlight a growing crisis in girls’ engagement with physical activity, particularly during the transition through puberty. Key findings from this year’s survey include:
- The number of girls enjoying PE drops dramatically throughout their school life, with 86% of girls aged 7-8 enjoying PE, compared to just 56% of girls aged 14-15.
- 46% of girls aged 14-15 report that a lack of confidence stops them from being physically active, compared to 26% of girls aged 7-8.
- PE kit continues to be a contentious issue for girls, especially around puberty. Only 23% of girls aged 14-15 feel confident in their PE kit, while 65% of girls aged 7-8 report feeling confident.
- Over half (61%) of girls aged 11 and above worry about leaking in their PE kit, and 58% of these girls would like to see more PE kit options.
Alongside calls for more flexible kit options, girls also seek more empathy and support from teachers, coaches, and peers to stay engaged in physical activity. A significant 42% of girls aged 11 and older feel uncomfortable talking to their PE teacher about their period, despite it having a profound impact on their confidence to participate.
The Youth Sport Trust’s Girls Active programme seeks to break down the barriers girls face in physical activity. By empowering girls to lead and inspire their peers, the programme has seen impressive results. 97% of leaders and 58% of participants reported feeling more confident to take part in sport and physical activity.
Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, stated: “Unfortunately, we are failing to provide girls with positive experiences of PE and sport and play in schools. We must support girls through puberty, listening to and responding to their needs to build their confidence. Without this support, their experiences at school can alienate them from sport for life.”
Oliver continued, “Girls are seeking more opportunities for physical activity in school, driven by fun, friendship, and a focus on health.” The government must listen to girls and help improve access to PE, Sport, and Play for them.
The Youth Sport Trust, in partnership with LEGO Group, is committed to tackling the barriers girls face and empowering them to make positive changes through sport and play. England footballer and LEGO Team Unstoppable Ambassador, Lauren Hemp, also expressed concern over the findings, saying, “It’s disappointing to see such a drop in confidence for girls as they go through puberty. We must listen to girls and increase opportunities for them to be active.”
The Youth Sport Trust is calling on the government to:
- Empower girls to make choices about the kit they wear and how activities are delivered.
- Increase opportunities for girls to be physically active throughout the school day.
- Train teachers to tackle gender stereotypes and promote body confidence and understanding of female biology.