Survey finds more than half of girls feel too self-conscious to exercise

More than half of girls in Aberdeen secondary schools do not exercise because they feel self-conscious, a survey has revealed.

The findings come from 412 responses to a Sport Aberdeen survey held in April which aimed to find out the barriers facing girls who wished to participate in sport.

A total of 285 of those who gave answers to the research by the body's active girls committee said they did not take part in sport or physical activity because they felt self-conscious.

Jo Bell, Sport Aberdeen's director for sport and active lifestyles, said: “These results show the mountain we must climb to increase the participation of girls in sport and physical activity.

“For too long, participation levels plummet as girls make the transition from primary to secondary school.

“This confirms some of the barriers and gives us a solid ground to work from.

“The active girls committee, led by girls for girls, are an incredible group of determined and confident young women.

“The extent of this challenge means that we all, including the girls themselves, have an important role to play.”

Pupils taking part in the survey ranged from S1 to S6.

Other findings reveal 218 of the respondents do not exercise because of a lack of confidence.

Committee chair Aimee Work, 14, said: “The active girls committee has loved every second of this so far and I believe we are really making a difference.

“It's so important that we have a direct input into our future and to leaving a positive impact for future generations.”

The committee consists of 15 pupils from nine secondary schools in Aberdeen.