New research shows girls from the age of 12 are showing an increase in body confidence but a decline in mental wellbeing.
However playing sport raises levels in both aspects, according to findings unveiled by Lidl Ireland in their latest State of the Nation research.
The study examines the impact participation in sport has on female secondary school students, aged 12 to 18.
READ MORE: Irish people in global top 10 for loving their own physiques
The retailer first commissioned research on the attitudes of girls towards participation in sport in 2017 and the study examines the impact participation in sport has on female secondary school students, aged 12 to 18.
It now has produced a fresh report, following the COVID-19 pandemic, which was carried out in August with 350 females taking part.
It found that while overall body confidence has increased from 28 per cent to 36 per cent, girls that play sport are significantly more likely to have high levels of body confidence, at 40 per cent, compared to girls who do not.
The number of girls who believe their mental wellbeing is strong has declined from 52 per cent in 2017 to 43 per cent in 2023.
But nearly half of girls that play sport report strong levels of mental well-being compared to just 29 per cent of those that do not play sport.
Other cited benefits to sport participation included that it is good for your physical health, increased energy levels, lifelong friendships and increased confidence.
Female secondary school student participation in sport is flourishing, with half stating that they play sport compared to 39 per cent in 2017.
The pandemic has had an impact on participation, with one in five of those who stopped participating claiming they stopped playing sport during Covid and never returned, while one in three said they lost interest in sport as a result of the pandemic.
With 41 per cent playing, ladies Gaelic football is the leading sport according to the research, while 28 per cent are playing camogie, 25 per cent playing soccer and 21 per cent playing basketball.
Carla Rowe, Dublin All-Ireland winning captain and secondary school teacher, said: “It’s fantastic to see that there has been an uplift in positivity around body confidence as this is a massive issue for teenage girls.
“We can’t underestimate the impact Covid has had on this age group particularly in relation to their mental well-being.”
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the latest news direct to your inbox
