– 62 percent of girls in VG1 in Norway report health problems, and this is an increase of 20 percentage points from 2018 to 2022, says Samdal, who is a professor at the University of Bergen, in a press release.
She has examined data from the report Children and young people’s health habits and well-being (Hevas) – an international well-being survey for school youth. She worries about the development.
The figures show that after ten years of a positive trend, there was a marked change in 2014 with a more negative relationship to well-being at school.
The highest level of reported school stress was in 2022. Precisely that development can be thought to be linked to the corona pandemic, with the isolation, school closures and restrictions on leisure activities that it entailed.
In 2022, the girls’ reporting level of school stress was twice as high as the boys’. Samdal believes the findings show a need for measures to promote children’s and young people’s health habits and well-being.
– When it comes to physical activity, diet and tobacco behaviour, children and young people are far from reaching national targets, says the professor.
The report comes from the study Health habits among schoolchildren, a WHO survey in which schoolchildren from 50 countries participate. Norwegian pupils from the 6th, 8th and 10th grades, as well as VG1 pupils take part in the survey.
#Researchers #worried #Girls #enjoy #school #health #problems
**Interview with Professor Samdal on Girls’ Health and Well-Being in Norwegian Schools**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Professor Samdal. Your recent findings indicate that 62 percent of girls in VG1 are reporting health problems, marking a significant increase since 2018. What do you believe is at the root of this alarming trend?
**Professor Samdal:** Thank you for having me. The data speaks to a decline in well-being, particularly linked to rising school stress levels since 2014, compounded by the effects of the pandemic. Isolation, school closures, and restricted activities have created an environment where students, especially girls, are struggling more than ever.
**Interviewer:** It’s particularly concerning to hear that girls are reporting twice the level of school stress compared to boys. Why do you think this gender disparity exists?
**Professor Samdal:** That disparity is complex. Social expectations, peer pressure, and a tendency for girls to internalize stress can contribute significantly. The societal pressures to excel academically while also maintaining a social life create a perfect storm for anxiety and health issues.
**Interviewer:** Given these challenges, what measures do you think should be taken to support the well-being of students, particularly girls?
**Professor Samdal:** There is an urgent need for strategic measures that promote physical activity, healthy eating, and strategies to mitigate stress. Schools must address these issues head-on, involve parents, and foster an environment that prioritizes mental health just as much as academic achievement.
**Interviewer:** With the evidence suggesting these health problems are rooted in various societal and systemic issues, do you think schools are doing enough? What could parents and communities do to advocate for better support systems in education?
**Professor Samdal:** Schools can certainly improve, but it’s also a community-wide effort. Parents can advocate for more emotional and mental health resources in schools, while communities can organize activities that encourage social interactions and physical health outside of academics. Engaging in dialogue about these issues can help foster a supportive environment.
**Interviewer:** As we consider the implications of your findings, how do you think the wider public perceives this issue? Should the health and well-being of young girls in schools be a priority on the national agenda?
**Professor Samdal:** Absolutely, this should be a central public issue. The well-being of children directly impacts their futures, and if society does not actively engage with these findings, we risk exacerbating the problem. I hope this report ignites a broader conversation it certainly warrants.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Professor Samdal, for your insights. It seems clear that addressing these health problems requires a collective effort from educators, parents, and the wider community.
—
**What do you think about the growing health issues among girls in Norwegian schools? Should this be a national priority, and what actions should be taken to address these challenges? Join the conversation and share your thoughts below!**
