The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Colin Pettit has released a report outlining the evidence that there’s a wellbeing gender gap among children and young people.
The Commissioner’s report is based on national and international research reinforced by concerns raised by young people in the State’s first Speaking Out Survey.
Mr Pettit said that in the survey, young female people were twice as likely as their male peers to report not feeling happy with themselves, feeling unable to achieve their goals or deal with things that happen in their life.
“They are much less likely than male young people to feel like they belonged at their school, and significantly less likely than male young people to feel safe in their neighbourhood and on public transport,” Mr Pettit said.
“This is consistent with international and national data, which also shows that adolescent emotional wellbeing has declined in the last decade.”
He said the report, Exploring the Decline in Wellbeing for Australian Girls, examined the research and data across a range of wellbeing measures, including physical health, mental health, education, social media and safety.
“While progress is being made in improving gender equity in Australia, there is clear evidence that more needs to be done to address the concerns being expressed by female young people,” Mr Pettit said.
“The decline in wellbeing for female children and young people goes well beyond a child’s home or school environment and must be considered in the broader context of our modern society.”
He hoped the findings would be a call to action across Government and non-Government sectors working to improve support for children and young people, and to inform policy, programs and services to improve wellbeing outcomes for girls.
The Commissioner’s 178-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
