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Irish Examiner
14-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Sarah Harte: Anxious generation needs to be faced with academic challenge of Leaving Cert
Young Irish women are highly anxious — hardly a surprise when we live in an age of anxiety. One of the hit songs of the moment is Anxiety, an anthem describing 'an elephant sitting on my chest', by the rapper Doechii, a young woman who appears to have captured the zeitgeist. Last week, a charity called The Shona Project published the results of their national survey capturing the views of young women. Naturally, the results revealed widespread anxiety and pressure. The Shona Project helps young Irish girls navigate the challenges of growing up by providing practical advice, fostering a sense of solidarity, and encouraging them to be their best selves. One view captured by the data, however, was that the education system was 'suffocating' and caused bright students to crumble beneath the pressure. Tammy Darcy, founder of The Shona Project, said: 'The current assessment procedures and their view that schools do not make everyone feel accepted or represented are two key factors. This is borne out in the support work The Shona Project do with young women who tell them that to survive in school, they hide in toilets or skip school entirely. Ms Darcy has a point when she says 'we need to reflect the views of our young women in the systems that shape their lives', but some of us firmly believe that we shouldn't eliminate the pressure element from exams. As things stand, you can't fail the Junior Cert; you continue onto the next year of school regardless. A narrative gaining strength is that the Leaving Cert is unfair because it places too much pressure on students to succeed in their academic careers. Yet teachers and academics have repeatedly expressed concerns about the "dumbing down" of both the Junior and Leaving Certificate exams, particularly in subjects such as geography, biology, chemistry, and physics, questioning the long-term impact of this measure, including the increase in drop-out rates in the first year of college. Earlier this month, Trevor Hickey, a university lecturer at the University of Limerick and author of Leaving Cert books, resigned from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment because he was 'very concerned' that construction studies was no longer recognisable as 'a Stem [science, technology, maths and engineering] subject' due to dumbing down. Rather than handing out wildly inflated grades, a practice that began during the pandemic when teachers provided estimated grades for their students and predictably led to grades soaring, we should re-orient subjects to focus more on problem-solving rather than rote learning. Participation medals And we should stop giving out participation medals, which supposedly boost mental health. This supposed empowerment is, in fact, a form of disempowerment. Medals for showing up potentially hinder children from experiencing difficult emotions and, crucially, learning to regulate them. By indulging all upsets, we teach the lesson that getting upset is the way to exit anxiety. Let's take the random example of athletics. Your child runs in a race and is no Sharlene Mawdsley. They are disappointed with their performance. As a parent, it's about expressing positive but realistic expectations. We don't say, "Listen, little Muffy, the reality is that you come from a long line of slow coaches. You are, at best, a terrible runner, and don't expect ever to cross that finishing line other than last.' This was a significant downside of the 1970s psychology we were subjected to, which ranged from being non-existent to brutal. In this day and age, we say, "Yes, I know you must feel disappointed, but keep running, pet, because it's fun and good for you". Doechii's hit 'Anxiety' appears to have captured the mood of a generation. Photo:for iHeartRadio You let them figure out gradually that they are never crossing that finishing line first, second or third (assuming such a thing exists) and teach them how to navigate that disappointment, how to internalise the feeling that they're still worth a lot, even if they aren't good at running. Bring back first, second and third place, which are a gentle forerunner of life. Participation medals convey the inaccurate message that everyone is always a winner. It involves slapping a bogus plaster over mediocrity. Most of us are deeply mediocre at tons of things, and that's not a world tragedy. It's something we have to make our peace with, or else we must work harder to become better. Participation medals also risk breeding a sense of 'because I'm worth it' entitlement, which differs from the confidence that is slowly earned through repeated effort. Showing up won't cut it in the real world. You can't arrive at the office, sling your ass in the chair, and signal to your boss, look I'm here, aren't I, what more do you want? Healthy competition I had an interesting conversation this week with somebody who said she thought that one of the reasons young people are so anxious is that they are under constant surveillance online. They are conditioned to strive for perfection in all facets of their lives, including their physical appearance, clothing, image, skin, and more. They can never get away. Constantly judged and watched, it instils a fear of always being on the brink of making a mistake, which leads them to self-censor and become anxious. You might say, well, if you think that competition in life is a problem, why introduce more? There is healthy and unhealthy competition. Learning to curate every aspect of your life online while comparing yourself to others is unhealthy. However, healthy competition can be beneficial. As the former Supreme Court judge Catherine McGuinness said in a brilliant interview last weekend: 'Don't lose courage, be prepared to work, and don't mind the people who are sort of pushing back. Be brave, don't say 'I can't do this' or 'I can't do that. Maybe you can, or at least you can try. Fight for what you want if it's a good thing." I'd add to those wise words, come to school and stop hiding in the toilets. I would actually like to print her words and hand them out to all young girls. I'd give them to boys, too. Parenting We, as parents, also have questions to ask ourselves. The social psychologist and academic Jonathan Haidt, author of the book 'The Anxious Generation', who has advocated for the removal of smartphones from young people, maintains that our overprotective parenting style is hurting rather than helping our children. What we know globally is that for young people born after 1995, the mental health statistics are terrible, with high levels of depression and anxiety. Haidt's point is that paradoxically, parents have grown increasingly protective but have likely made their children less resilient in the process. For some reason, we live in a cultural moment where the drive to protect has outstripped our ability to let our children experience anxiety, therefore making them more anxious and less good at coping. There was an item on Drivetime two days ago about parents tracking their adult children on phones because they worry about their safety. It's nuts. Make no mistake, there's a price to be paid societally for exercising an uncomfortably intimate dominance over our children's every move. We are seeing that play out in the sky-high levels of anxiety of the younger generation, we are seeing it play out in employers' bafflement at the lack of resilience among young employees, and it's set to get worse unless, as parents, we recalibrate. Look, I know you'd get tired as parents of experts telling us that we're getting it all wrong. But we must allow our children to encounter uncomfortable situations and develop autonomy. Honestly, I struggle with this, and so do most of my peers, from what I can see. We're like a bunch of Gen X helicopters, although I sense the penny is beginning to drop. The Leaving Cert should not be dumbed down. No more grade inflation. No more celebration of mediocrity. Let's try to communicate to our offspring the truth that anxiety, failure, making mistakes and solving them are part of the deal, along with joy and hope. Read More Sarah Harte: Our broken food culture is driving us towards weight loss drugs
Irish Examiner
13-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Colman Noctor: Pressure to be perfect undermines mental health of teen girls
A Shona Project survey suggests that teenage girls are struggling. This will likely come as no surprise to parents. In today's fast-paced, high-pressure world, raising adolescent girls can feel like walking a tightrope. One moment they're laughing with friends, and, the next, they're overwhelmed by anxiety, tears, or are withdrawn. As a parent of a pre-teen daughter, I can confirm that this emotional rollercoaster can be worrying and confusing. For the girls, the stress of navigating a world consumed by performance while undergoing dramatic hormonal changes is challenging. The Shona Project, a non-profit organisation that mentors girls, spoke to more than 1,000 of them aged between 12 and 19 in Ireland. It revealed widespread anxiety, pressure, and safety concerns. The key findings present a bleak picture of how girls and young women perceive themselves and their life experiences: 67% said their school environment is not a safe or welcoming space; 89% reported carrying anxiety or worry that no one knows about; 79% said they sometimes feel 'no good at all'; 70% feel social media is negatively impacting their mental health. These findings reflect similar studies across the globe, which show a marked increase in anxiety disorders, depression, and related issues among teenage girls. According to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in the US, the percentage of teenage girls reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness rose from 36% in 2011 to 57% in 2021. A 2023 UNICEF report highlighted that adolescent girls globally report higher levels of psychological distress than boys, with anxiety, self-harm, and body image issues dominating. Complex issues lie behind these statistics, the most obvious being the rise of social media and the subsequent social-comparison trap. American sociologist Jonathan Haidt suggests that girls, more than boys, engage in social media in ways that increase their emotional vulnerability. According to a 2019 Lancet study, more frequent use of social media was linked to worse mental health outcomes in girls than in boys. Girls are more likely to internalise appearance-based comparisons, cyberbullying, and social exclusion. The curated perfection of Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat creates a toxic comparison loop. Adolescent girls are at a developmentally sensitive stage where peer approval, appearance, and belonging matter deeply. Seeing idealised versions of others' lives and bodies can erode self-esteem and increase anxiety. One 14-year-old girl interviewed as part of the Shona Project study described the challenges of social comparison well when she said: 'My life revolves around school and tech, which isn't necessarily a good thing. Apps like TikTok have made it so hard to be a woman: You can never look good enough or say the right thing or speak the right way.' Study expectations Social media pressures are not the only factors causing young girls to struggle; academic and societal issues are also involved. Girls often feel intense pressure to perform well academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and meet high expectations from parents, teachers, and themselves. A 2020 study published in Developmental Psychology found that girls were more likely to internalise stress related to school performance than boys, which can lead to increased anxiety. While there is an argument to be made that school systems are more suited to girls than to boys, the flip side is the increased expectations placed on girls to perform academically. I have worked with teenagers for more han 25 years, and, every year, the 'acceptable' level of academic achievement seems to get higher. The recent messaging about increasing the number of girls in STEM subjects and careers, which males typically dominate, is commendable, but does it add more pressure on teenage girls to excel? Young girls receive mixed messages. They are told to be confident, but not arrogant; ambitious but also likeable; thin, but not obsessed with their bodies. Undoubtedly, this ongoing tightrope walk contributes to their anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. Hormonal changes play a role, too. Puberty hits girls earlier than boys, and this brings with it not just physical changes, but a host of emotional and neurological shifts. The adolescent brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making and emotion regulation, continues to develop and remains highly vulnerable to environmental stressors. Developing good decision-making skills in a world of information overload and constant comparison is bound to be challenging. Meanwhile, the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for our responses to fear and emotion, becomes hyperactive during adolescence. As girls tend to mature earlier than boys, they feel the brunt of these changes sooner. Pandemic isolation While anxiety and depression were already rising before covid, the pandemic acted as an accelerant. Lockdowns, school closures, and social isolation disrupted support systems, adding uncertainty. The impact was all the more significant for teenage girls, who rely on peer interaction and structured environments. A 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association found that adolescent girls were among the hardest-hit demographically, reporting the highest levels of pandemic-related emotional stress. But there's good news: Parents can play a decisive role in protecting and nurturing their daughters' mental health, just as they can their sons'. Girls need to know that their feelings are valid and important, no matter how irrational they may seem. As parents, we need to create an open-door policy where emotional expression is welcome, not judged or minimised. Instead of rushing to offer solutions, try listening with empathy. American psychologist and bestselling author Mel Robbins says one of the most critical interventions when conversing with a teenager is to preface what you say with the sentence, 'Are you looking for my advice or do you just want me to listen and support you?' This simple intervention can go a long way toward a more productive and helpful conversation. Dr Lisa Damour, psychologist and author of Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood, emphasises that teen girls need a 'secure emotional base'. Just being present and consistent gives them a sense of stability in a chaotic world. Help your daughter understand that anxiety, or worry, is a natural human emotion designed to protect us, and is not a flaw or weakness. Teach her the difference between everyday stress and chronic anxiety. Normalising emotional responses helps young girls to realise that maybe they are not the problem, but the situation is. If a girl is working hard to maintain a high academic standard, attending training multiple times a week to keep her place in the county camogie squad, and struggling to find time to maintain her friendships, remind her that she is not finding it difficult to keep up with the demands because she is a poor time manager, but because the expectations being placed on her are unrealistic. While mood swings and withdrawal are part of adolescence, persistent changes in behaviour may indicate something more profound. Watch for ongoing sleep problems, a sudden drop in academic performance, avoidance of social activities or changes in eating habits, as these symptoms can indicate that she may be struggling with an emerging mental health condition and needs support. While many suggest a total ban on social media, in my experience, this rarely works in isolation and can encourage secretive use. The global social media crisis requires collective action, so attempting to resolve it in isolation is unlikely to be effective. Parents should try to co-create boundaries around smartphone use, especially at night. Encourage phone-free periods and discuss what she is watching online. Is she following uplifting accounts? Or ones that fuel body insecurity? One of the most critical parental interventions is celebrating effort, not perfection. Young girls often feel they must 'have it all together'. Reinforce the message that it's OK to make mistakes and that a person's worth is not tied to achievements. Praise her for effort, resilience, and kindness, not just grades, trophies, or appearances. Be aware, also, of any inadvertent pressure you may be applying to her. While parents have little to no control over many aspects of the adolescent experience, parental pressure is one area where we can act. If, despite these interventions, your daughter's anxiety continues to interfere with her daily life, school attendance, friendships, or sleep, you may need to reach out to a professional for help. A strong emotional connection with your daughter, grounded in trust and empathy, is one of the best buffers against anxiety. Collectively, we need to meet our young girls where they are, not where we want them to be, and offer the support they need, so their world becomes less threatening and pressurised. Communicating with teenage daughters may be harder because they spend so much time online. But if we listen to the evidence of the Shona Project report, it seems they need our support now more than ever. Dr Colman Noctor is a child psychotherapist Read More Colman Noctor: Rise in therapy talk can make teens see everyday stress as a sign of mental illness
Irish Examiner
07-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
'Being a girl makes me a target': Teenage girls worry about the rise of misogyny, says survey
Teen girls are concerned about the rise of misogyny, and many do not find school a positive experience, new research suggests. A national survey of more than 1,000 girls and non-binary teenagers indicates that 67% believe their school environment is not a safe or welcoming space to all. A tenth of those taking part mentioned feeling concerned for their own safety, with almost 80% of those mentioning boys and men as a threat. More than half (53%) told the survey they do not feel like they will be afforded the same opportunities as boys or men. The findings are included in the survey conducted by social enterprise the Shona Project, to collect the views of teen girls on education, self-esteem, safety, misogyny, social media, and emotional wellbeing. It found: Almost 90% of the teens surveyed said they carry anxiety or worry that no one knows about; Almost 80% said they sometimes feel 'no good at all'; A further 70% said they feel social media negatively affects their mental health. More than half (52%) of the girls taking part said they feel that filters and editing apps negatively affect their self-esteem. One 18-year-old taking part described the Irish school system as 'suffocating'. 'Our education system is causing bright and talented people to crumble beneath the pressure. The points system is archaic and cruel. The jump to third-level is too much – and it shows in drop-out rates.' Another 16-year-old told the survey: 'I have noticed boys of my generation heading in the opposite direction when it comes to gender equality which frightens me. 'I find they have little to no respect for girls and women and see us as a different species to them.' Another 18-year-old told the survey that while she is excited to express her femininity, behind that excitement is "the fear that because I was born a female someone might harm me, in the dark, in the daytime, alone or in a group. Being a girl makes me a target." Another 14-year-old told the survey: "My life more or less revolves around school and tech and that isn't necessarily a good thing. Apps like TikTok have made it so hard to be a woman; you can never look good enough, do the right thing or speak the right way." The survey found that 73% of the girls taking part don't agree that the Irish education system makes everyone feel accepted, represented or included. A further 77% said they don't feel they have been provided with sufficient sources of information on sexual health issues. Of the teens surveyed, almost two thirds (66%) said they don't agree that the education system effectively recognises and encourages non-academic strengths. "Young women know what's wrong and they are telling us clearly," said Tammy Darcy, founder of The Shona Project. "This is a call to listen and to act. We need to reflect the views of our young women in the systems that shape their lives. "The Shona Project is calling for schools, government, and communities to work with us and other organisations to ensure young women's voices are heard and we can collectively build a safer, more supportive Ireland for all."
BreakingNews.ie
07-05-2025
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Majority of teenage girls feel unsafe in schools, survey finds
A national survey capturing the views of teenage girls by The Shona Project has revealed widespread anxiety, pressure, and safety concerns among teenage girls across the country. Over 1,000 young women and non-binary teens aged 12-19 took part in the survey, conducted by The Shona Project in partnership with social value research consultancy, The Outcome. Advertisement The report details valuable insights from teen girls on education, self-esteem, safety, misogyny, social media, and emotional wellbeing. The key findings below "detail a sobering picture of what young women really feel about what's happening in their lives". 67 per cent say their school environment is not a safe or welcoming space to all. 89 per cent carry anxiety or worry that no one knows about. 79 per cent sometimes feel 'no good at all'. 80 per cent believe their generation faces more challenges than those before. 70 per cent feel social media negatively affects their mental health. Tammy Darcy, founder of The Shona Project, says the data reinforces what the organisation sees daily through its school and community work. Young women know what's wrong and they are telling us clearly. This is a call to listen and to act. 'Young women know what's wrong and they are telling us clearly. This is a call to listen and to act. We need to reflect the views of our young women in the systems that shape their lives. The Shona Project is calling for schools, government, and communities to work with us and other organisations to ensure young women's voices are heard and we can collectively build a safer, more supportive Ireland for all. Advertisement "The pressures teenagers are facing is particularly prevalent in our education system with the study demonstrating that teen girls and non-binary teens do not find school a positive experience. The current assessment procedures and their view that schools do not make everyone feel accepted or represented are two key factors. This is borne out in the support work The Shona Project do with young women who tell them that to survive in school they hide in toilets or skip school entirely." One 18-year-old respondent described the school system as 'suffocating,' saying: 'Our education system is causing bright and talented people to crumble beneath the pressure. The points system is archaic and cruel. The jump to third level is too much – and it shows in dropout rates.' Misogyny The report findings are timely and reflective of the growing national conversation on the rise of misogyny with many of those surveyed expressing fear and frustration about how gendered power plays out in everyday life. One in five mentioned concern for their own safety; of which 78 per cent mentioned boys and men as the threat. 61 per cent regularly struggle with negative body image. 68 per cent want better support and resources to talk about difficult feelings. One 16-year-old girl reported: 'I have noticed boys of my generation heading in the opposite direction when it comes to gender equality which frightens me. I find they have little to no respect for girls and women and see us as a different species to them.' Advertisement 'This study needs to be a catalyst for change,' added Beca Wistreich, director at The Outcome. 'We now have robust insights into how young people are experiencing life in Ireland and we hope these findings inform meaningful improvements in schools, communities and policies.' The Shona Project supports young women through mentorship programmes, school workshops, and the annual Shine Festival. In 2025, it will expand its work to engage teenage boys with a view to building empathy, accountability and providing much needed support to Ireland's young men and boys.
