Troubled Teens Resources

Girls boarding schools may seem like an anachronism to some parents. Very powerful cultural influences are attempting to erase the differences between genders while the reality of teens struggling with normal sexuality is compounded and exacerbated by a barrage of conflicting messages from the media.

“One of the most fascinating shows on self-image for teens was aired on Discovery Channel’s “Sex Files” program (Episode 12: Girl Power). During the show, they reported on eating disorders on the island of Fiji. In 1995, this tropical paradise had only 3 percent of girls with eating disorders in 1995.

Then western television programs were introduced… Three years later, the eating disorders in girls on the island rose to 15%. A surprising follow-up study reported 74% of Fijian girls feeling “too fat or big” and 62% had dieted in the last month—surprising in a culture that typically upholds curvaceous women as beautiful.”
(Source)

One of the most damaging trends has been the effect media has had on a girl’s self image or what has come to be called “body image.” Contributing to the body image issue is the sexualization of girls at a younger and younger age, resulting in another worrisome trend - teen girls choosing to undergo plastic surgery.

Girls boarding schools can  provide a refuge from the cultural tsunami by allowing girls to cultivate an identity based on values not dictated by the fashion world and MTV. A budding scientist or mathematician will be encouraged and confidence will be a result of embracing one’s gifts and intelligence.