Web 'undermine girls' self-esteem'

LONDON. KAZINFORM A major survey of 30,000 pupils reveals that teenagers - especially girls - increasingly doubt themselves. Both the economic downturn and cyber bullying are taking their toll.

The self-esteem of teenage girls has fallen significantly since the start of the economic downturn seven years ago and the boom in the use of social media and online communication, a major survey of 30,000 school pupils has revealed, the Guardian reports.

Analysts who compile the survey for schools across the country have reported a worrying drop in the number of 14- and 15-year-olds, particularly girls, who say they feel highly confident in their own worth. After consistent year-on-year increases since the early 1990s in the number of young people scoring in the highest bracket of self-esteem, a sudden and dramatic change occurred after 2007, according to the Schools Health Education Unit, which works with local authorities to monitor the health and lifestyles of pupils.

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