Girls and young women
Despite the many benefits of regular physical activity, girls are much more likely than boys to opt out of participating in both physical education (PE) and extra-curricular physical activity opportunities at school.
Indeed research shows that this gender imbalance begins from the age of three years (Scottish Health Survey, 1998) with 33 per cent of girls not reaching recommended minimum level of physical activity – compared to 28 per cent of boys. The gap continues to widen with age, and by the age of 14 years only 35 per cent of girls reach the minimum recommended level compared to 65 per cent of boys.
There are many reasons for this trend and a wide variety of influences. Research by the Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit (CAHRU) at Edinburgh University has identified some of the key factors that influence girls and young women in their decisions concerning physical activity. These include:
- enjoyment of physical activity
- confidence in one's own ability
- perceptions of safety
- local opportunities
- participation with parents and friends.
Health promoting school approach
Health promoting schools can address many of the barriers to girls participating in physical activity – for example, by working towards:
- an inclusive ethos that allows girls to be involved in the planning and choice of activities on offer: this will increase participation levels
- recognition and acknowledgement of girls' activities and achievements throughout the school, which also stimulates greater involvement and enthusiasm
- partnership with outside agencies, which can allow a greater choice of activities both within and outwith the curriculum, as well as providing different female role models.
Barriers
Some of the barriers to taking PE include:
- single-gender versus mixed-gender classes
- poor showering and changing facilities
- the clothing that pupils have to wear for PE classes.
By working with pupils to identify ways of overcoming these barriers, and by developing inclusive policies that are supported by the senior management team, health promoting schools can ensure that many of these issues are addressed. For example, the following initiatives can all contribute to increasing the involvement of girls in PE:
- timetabling changes allowing for extended changing and showering time
- providing non-competitive opportunities to participate in team sports
- upgrading showering and changing facilities to allow for better privacy
- providing a wider choice of activities within the PE curriculum.
Other health issues can contribute to girls' decisions not to be physically active, including self-esteem, body image and puberty. Yet regular physical activity can actually improve self-esteem and confidence as well as giving them a better understanding of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Sources of help
Active Schools
This initiative focuses particularly on girls' and young women's participation and programmes are being developed to increase activity levels. Further information on this work can be obtained by contacting Jessica Lindohf the Women and Girls Sports Officer at sportscotland on 0131 472 3249 or by e-mail jessica.lindohf@sportscotland.org.uk.
Nike Girls in Sport Programme
A four-hour workshop delivered in secondary schools forms the core of this programme, which is run by the Youth Sport Trust. The programme also involves the Active Schools coordinator developing an action plan to increase girls' participation in PE. Further information can be obtained from the Youth Sport Trust Development Officer on 0131 472 3327.
Girls on the Move
Aiming to increase the physical activity levels of girls and young women in Scotland, this programme has been designed to overcome the barriers that often prevent this group from participating in physical activity. There is more information on the programme on the Girls on the Move website.
