Gender Parity - Girls struggle more with self Esteem

Self-esteem—how you see and value yourself—affects your choices, feelings, and overall happiness. But did you know that confidence levels can be different for guys and girls, especially during the teen years? Research shows that while everyone has ups and downs, things like social media, beauty standards, and stereotypes can make the self-esteem gap bigger. Let’s break it down and see how we can close the gap so everyone can feel awesome about themselves!

Studies show that boys tend to have slightly higher self-esteem than girls, and this difference shows up in lots of different cultures (Orth et al., 2018). A big reason? Society often puts different pressures on guys and girls.

For example, the Dove Self-Esteem Project found that 61% of teen girls feel pressured to look a certain way, compared to 38% of guys (Dove, 2020). But boys deal with pressure too—they’re often told to “man up” and not show feelings, which isn’t healthy either.

Here are some big reasons why self-esteem can look different for guys and girls:

1. Social Media & Unrealistic Standards – Filters, influencers, and highlight reels can make it seem like everyone has a perfect life or look. Spoiler alert: They don’t!
2. Stereotypes & Expectations – Girls are often told to be nice and “pretty,” while guys are told to be tough and confident. But these labels don’t define you.
3. School & Career Pressure – Studies show girls often doubt their abilities in STEM subjects, even when they’re just as good as boys (Cvencek et al., 2011). That’s got to change!
4. Body Image Issues – It’s not just girls—guys also struggle with body confidence, thanks to unrealistic fitness and beauty standards.

Want to close the confidence gap? Here’s what you can do:

1. Be Real About Social Media – Remember, what you see online is often edited or staged. Follow accounts that promote self-love and realness!
2. Talk About It – Share your feelings with friends, family, or a trusted adult. Let’s normalize talking about confidence struggles.
3. Support Each Other – Hype up your friends for their talents, kindness, and achievements—not just how they look.
4. Find Role Models Who Break Stereotypes – Look up to people who embrace who they truly are, whether it’s a female scientist, a male artist, or a non-binary athlete.
5. Try New Things – Whether it’s sports, music, coding, or art, stepping outside your comfort zone helps build confidence.

Your self-worth isn’t about your gender—it’s about being YOU. By challenging stereotypes, supporting each other, and focusing on self-acceptance, we can build a world where everyone feels confident. You are strong, valuable, and capable—believe it!

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