New insights reveal that girls face a pervasive mental health crisis as much as boys, challenging the notion that boys’ struggles alone drive the conversation. Health experts warn that framing this as a gender competition harms both sides and distracts from root causes. The Children’s Commissioner for England cautions against pitting genders against each other, urging a more nuanced understanding that benefits all young people.
While discussions on gender gaps in education often highlight girls’ apparent academic edge, the impact on well-being is less visible. Earnings research shows men may accumulate higher lifetime earnings despite early career challenges, largely due to parenthood’s effects on women. This underscores persistent biases that shape outcomes well into adulthood and highlights the need for policy that supports all families.
Education systems themselves place heavy pressure on young women. Studies from the University of Manchester and other researchers show that many girls, though high achievers, experience intense stress and safety concerns at school. Their success can mask underlying mental health struggles, requiring targeted supports beyond grades.
A Europe-wide study indicates English girls report high distress levels, with many 11-year-olds experiencing frequent health issues. National health data corroborates these concerns, noting increases in hospital admissions linked to self-harm and eating disorders among young girls. Health professionals stress that visible cases represent only a portion of the broader anxiety and depression landscape.
The pandemic intensified psychological strain. Social media and online life can distort development and amplify pressures as youths navigate adolescence. Advocates point to gaps in social structures and parental leave policies that fail to align with the realities of modern families, leaving some children feeling unsupported.
Thailand’s context matters too. Societal expectations often weigh on young women, making it essential for Thai educators, policymakers, and communities to respond with mental health support embedded in schools and families. Local perspectives emphasize compassionate guidance, accessible counseling, and programs that balance academic achievement with emotional well-being.
Future progress requires moving beyond gendered narratives to tackle systemic flaws. Strengthening parental leave equality, reforming education to reduce stress, and expanding youth mental health resources are critical. An inclusive approach—one that values every young person’s well-being—will help prevent burnout and support healthier, more resilient generations.
Implications for action include expanding school-based mental health services, training teachers to recognize early warning signs, and fostering community programs that involve families. By grounding policies in Thai cultural context and local needs, stakeholders can create environments where young people thrive academically and emotionally.