The online world has a loud voice, and it speaks volumes to young girls and teens, sending diverse messages that shape their perceptions, beliefs, and self-esteem. As they navigate through social media, websites, and forums, they are bombarded with a mix of empowering, confusing, and sometimes harmful narratives that influence their development and identity.
Empowerment and inspiration form one of the more positive aspects of the online landscape. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have given rise to influencers and role models who advocate for self-love, body positivity, and mental health awareness. These voices offer a counter-narrative to traditional media’s often narrow standards of beauty and success, encouraging young girls to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions fearlessly. Educational resources are more accessible than ever, enabling young women to learn new skills, from coding to creative writing, broadening their horizons and potential career paths.
Another positive aspect is the opportunity for self-expression and creativity. Social media provides a space where young girls can share their thoughts, ideas, and creations with a broader audience. Whether it’s through starting a blog, posting artwork, or creating videos, these platforms offer an outlet for self-expression to boost self-confidence and foster a sense of accomplishment.
It can also be a supportive environment where young women can share their experiences, seek advice, and find mentorship. Virtual communities and forums allow for the exchange of ideas and support, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement. This interconnectedness helps to break down barriers and build networks that can lead to collaborative projects, business ventures, and lifelong friendships. Ultimately, the online landscape, when leveraged positively, serves as a catalyst for personal growth, empowerment, and the dismantling of outdated societal norms, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future
However, it can also present challenges specific to young girls and teens. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to unrealistic beauty standards are pervasive issues that can erode self-esteem and foster a culture of comparison, inadequacy and gender inequality.
According to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant, 1 in 5 Young Australians are experience Cyberbullying and girls are more likely to be bullied online than boys.
Social media, in particular, is a double-edged sword; while it can be a source of inspiration and connection, it also perpetuates a highlight-reel phenomenon where only the best moments of people’s lives are showcased. This can distort young girls’ perceptions of normal life, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
The internet can also perpetuate gender inequality for young girls by reinforcing traditional gender roles and limiting their potential. For instance, social media algorithms often prioritize content that adheres to conventional notions of femininity, such as beauty tutorials, fashion hauls, and fitness routines. This can subtly suggest that a woman’s value lies primarily in her appearance and ability to conform to societal expectations. This reinforcement can discourage girls from pursuing interests in fields like STEM, Sports or a trade, which are traditionally male-dominated, thereby limiting their educational and career opportunities. Additionally, the prevalence of male-dominated industries such as gaming and tech can marginalise female voices and discourage young girls from pursuing interests in these areas. These challenges are not just isolated incidents; they reflect and perpetuate broader patriarchal norms that contribute to systemic gender inequality.
Also, the online world often subjects young girls to premature sexualisation and exposure to inappropriate content, pushing them to grow up too fast. The relentless focus on appearance and the pressure to conform to societal standards can detract from their sense of self and the development of other qualities, such as intelligence, kindness, and creativity.
In Australia, numerous online resources empower young women by providing them with education, support, and a sense of community. Websites such as Girls’ Programming Network or Girls Who Code offer coding workshops and mentorship programs that inspire young women to pursue careers in technology.
“Girls Who Code,” an Australian organisation dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. Not only does this platform offer coding tutorials and educational material, but it also provides a community where girls can collaborate on projects, participate in coding challenges, and attend virtual events. The emphasis is on creating a supportive network where girls can grow their skills and confidence, all while being shielded from the often negative aspects of social media.
Another great resource, “New Moon Girls” is a subscription-based online magazine and community specifically designed for girls ages 8 and up. This platform promotes creativity, self-expression, and mutual respect. Girls can submit their writing, artwork, and videos, and participate in moderated discussions on various topics. The content is created by girls, for girls, which fosters a sense of ownership and belonging. With strict moderation and a focus on positive interactions, New Moon Girls ensures a safe online space where girls can thrive without the pressures and dangers of social media.
Additionally, platforms like ReachOut, which provides mental health support tailored to young women, and the Butterfly Foundation, focused on eating disorder prevention and body positivity, create safe spaces where young women can seek advice and share experiences. These resources are crucial in helping young women build confidence, develop skills, and navigate the complexities of the digital world.
For families whose daughters may face issues online, there are several supportive resources available. The eSafety Commissioner’s website offers comprehensive advice on a range of online safety concerns, including cyberbullying, privacy, and digital reputation management. Parents can access practical tips and step-by-step guides to help protect their children and manage online challenges. The Women In The Spotlight (WITS) program specifically offers social media self-defence training, something that may be valuable for both parents and young women to participate in together so you can both confidently protect your wellbeing and call out poor behaviour.
Another valuable resource is Parentline, which provides confidential counselling and support for parents dealing with difficult situations. These resources ensure that families are not alone in addressing online issues and can take proactive steps to safeguard their daughters’ well-being and mental health.
By addressing these issues, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable online environment for young girls. It’s crucial to guide young girls in navigating the online world, teaching them critical thinking skills to discern the messages they receive, empower them to have a voice to call out unacceptable behaviours and encourage open conversations about the realities of being online. In doing this we can help them build resilience against negative influences and really embrace the positive messages of empowerment and equality online. After all, as parents, we just want our children to grow into informed, confident, and connected individuals both online and offline.
