COLUMBUS, Ohio-A new study by the Center for Community Solutions (CCS) examines the health and well-being of girls in Ohio. The study found that while Ohio girls have made strides in education, with 47% of kindergarten girls being “on-track with language and literacy” and 90% of high school girls graduating in four years, there are pervasive struggles in mental health and food security. The study found that:
Girls are more likely to be victims of bullying, which can lead to mental distress and anxiety. There are “crisis levels” of mental health issues among girls, with 32% of high school girls seriously considering suicide in the past 12 months.
Food security is also a concern, with 86.2% of high school girls not eating breakfast over a seven-day period. Many girls are living in households with low incomes and food insecurity, with 40% receiving food or cash assistance.
The study suggests that understanding the experiences of girls in Ohio can help create programs and policies that promote their well-being and health.
