A Girl's Life with Rachel Simmons

Source: Tween Parent Staff

(12 ratings)

In this must see documentary, Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out and The Curse of the Good Girl, explores all the challenges that young women face as they go through adolescence. The documentary examines whether or not today's girls will stride confidently through newly opened doors or if they will be stunted by societal messages that tell them females should be constantly agreeable, impossibly thin and sexy above all else.

Simmons says, "Girls today have opportunities their mothers and grandmothers never dreamed of, but at the same time girls are in danger. By age fourteen, more than half of all girls say they don't like their bodies. Twice as many girls as boys attempt suicide and twice as many show signs of depression. Girls have a higher risk of abusing alcohol and drugs than boys. And perhaps most shocking of all, violent physical assaults among girls have skyrocketed; up by more than 60% in the last two decades."

In "A Girl's Life," Simmons interviews parents, psychologists, teachers and social workers, who are helping nurture girls into capable and resilient adults. She also follows the lives of four girls who tell their own deeply personal tales of dealing with issues like cyber-bullying, body image and violence. With courage and determination, these girls reveal their hopes and dreams for a powerful future.

A Girl's Life with Rachel Simmons will broadcast on PBS Wednesday, December 30 at 8pm (be sure to check local listings as times may vary).