Girls may perform better at school than boys – but is there an emotional cost?

A recent UK study has revealed that despite achieving better grades than boys, girls are less happy than boys on average when at school. 1,500 students from 29 primary and secondary schools in Wales were asked about their experiences at school for the past three years, with the aim to discover differences between how boys and girls view their time at school. Although girls perceived school and staff in a positive light, 25% said that when they were at school they felt worried. Another 24% said they felt they did not belong, compared to 16.5% and 8.8% of boys respectively. As students progressed through their education, these results either remained constant, or became more negative. Both body image and social media activity have been seen to play a large role in the everyday pressures girls face.