Setting a bad example? ... model Kelly Brook
THE pressures on girls and young women to look good are exposed today.
Almost half admitted the worst part about being female is the feeling that they have to look attractive, reveals a survey by the Girl Guides.
Draw deal ... from the video illustrating girls' attitudes in 2010
And 75 per cent of those questioned also said they went on strict diets to look good for others, rather than for health reasons.
After questioning females in 2009, the organisation this year petitioned PM David Cameron for compulsory labelling of airbrushed pictures of stars and models.
Following these latest findings a concerned Leah Parsons, 18, a member of Girlguiding UK's youth panel Advocate said: "These kind of photographs trick girls into believing in an image of perfection which doesn't really exist.
"It is interesting to see further evidence of the pressure on girls and young women reflected in this year's results.
"Teenage girls see pictures of women such as Kelly Brook or Cheryl Cole, for example, who is so skinny and has perfect skin and hair, and start to think they should look just like that."
Cathy Fraser of Girlguiding UK said: "We know that girls are growing up in ever-changing, increasingly complicated times and, as adults who care about their experiences, we must listen to their views. Girls are telling us the world can be extremely stressful, which leads to a range of unhealthy behaviours and outcomes.
"It is vital that we support girls and young women to develop their self-esteem and resilience so they can cope with it."
The report also found their views of the family changing and that "daddy's girls" are on the way out - as daughters are now far closer to their mums.
The comprehensive new survey took account of the views of 1,200 females aged seven to 21 - not just Girl Guides.
Three quarters of those questioned believe that single parents are just as good as married ones.
Only 20 per cent of the people polled thought that married couples were better parents, while fewer than a third were against the idea of same-sex couples raising kids.
Slightly more, 42 per cent, thought that it did not matter if children came before marriage than those who are against the idea, 41 per cent.
And only just over a third of those polled, 37 per cent, were of the opinion that marriage is the best kind of relationship.
The worst news, though, is for dads. A clear 70 per cent said they were closer to their mothers than their fathers. When it comes to housework, the girls do not see much sign of modern man.
Mums do most of the cooking and cleaning, according to 85 per cent of young women.
And even when they are old enough to set up home with a man these women find that chores fall to them.
Only 12 per cent of girls living with a partner said he would rustle up a meal in the kitchen.
And just six per cent said he would be found with a mop or dishcloth in hand.
Most - 82 per cent - of girls aged 11 to 21 said that smoking is a serious health issue for today's girls.
And nearly as many - 81 per cent - thought that alcohol abuse was a serious issue for today's girls.
But the good news is that most young British women are content with their lives.
A gladdening 87 per cent of girls are happy most of the time, with a third describing themselves as "very happy".
They also don't think it is important to be a celebrity.
The greatest quality in a good role model is that they help others, according to 61 per cent.
That is three times as many as those who feel a good role model should be famous, 18 per cent.
This compassionate approach to life is reflected in their response to green issues.
A potentially world-changing 85 per cent think that everyone is responsible for saving the planet. And two thirds have been convinced that global warming is a very serious problem.
SEE the video illustrating the report at girlguiding.org.uk/girlsattitudes.
