🪞💅 Research tells us that up to 80% of girls will struggle with body confidence. But this is about much more than just looks. It’s a belief in what their bodies can say, do, and be, as they move through the world. What do the experts say we should do about this crisis? Join us as we explore nuggets from our podcast and further afield and learn strategies on how to talk to the girl in your life about her body – and yours. 🙋‍♀️

🤳Nearly half of U.S. teens say they are online almost constantly. Compulsively tapping, scrolling, swiping. What is the appropriate response for adults to this reality – or is it a crisis? Banning devices at school or social media completely seems the simplest approach, but experts argue it might not be the best. So what do we do instead? Join us as we explore nuggets from our podcast to hear how to talk to your child about their phone and social media – so that you can really listen. Their lives may depend on it. 💌 Read the Social Institute’s 7 standards for students here: https://thesocialinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/Seven-Social-Standards-1-Pager.pdf

“For a girl, spiritual life is even more important as the mooring, the deep embedded compass through which she guides and governs her life.” - Dr. Lisa Miller Spirituality is often misunderstood and ill-defined. Yet those who have studied it through the lens of brain research and understand the scientific truth behind its role in our lives offer compelling data of the power of developing our “spiritual brain.” Especially for girls, a spiritual core—which is separate and distinct from the practice of religion—shapes a sense of meaning, purpose, calling and connection. In fact, a girl’s relationship to her spiritual core is a substantial tool in her arsenal of well-being strategies. Skeptics may find the evidence supporting this claim too compelling to ignore. In "Building Resilience through Spirituality," learn about the game-changing role spirituality can play in a girl’s life from Dr. Lisa Miller, founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Columbia University. A foremost scientist on spirituality across the lifespan, her research has focused on the quantifiable effects of spirituality on our lives, and she has evidence that “children who are raised with a robust and well-developed spiritual life are happier, more optimistic, more flexible and better equipped to deal with life’s ordinary (and even extraordinary) traumas than those who are not.” She urges us to engage on this journey with the girls in our lives.

“What we know from the research is that up to 80% of girls will struggle with body confidence.” - Dr. Phillippa Diedrichs It is estimated that young girls are exposed to nearly 600 media images per day, unable to escape the barrage of messages about the perfect look, the perfect weight, the perfect size, the perfect skin tone. Research tells us they are internalizing these images, likely to start believing their body image defines who they are. Far too many girls are held hostage by their own negative body image issues and need powerful counter messaging that reminds them they are so much more than their weight on the scale. In this episode, Dr. Phillippa Diedrichs, a professor of Psychology at the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England, in Bristol, England, shares research-based strategies to build body confidence in girls. Dr. Diedrichs, who delights in smashing beauty stereotypes, is the Founder of Everybody Consulting, a global consulting group of thought leaders and social scientist experts in body image, appearance diversity and mental health. She believes we all play a role in helping girls become “body confident” and offers an abundance of resources to empower us.

“Two things are true: girls need a voice and need to have that voice celebrated….and they also need to be able to create space for other people, their peers, to be able to listen to them.” -Rosalind Wiseman Perhaps, emotional intelligence (EQ)—the critical skills used to get along in a world full of others who don’t think or feel like we do—should get more attention. The reality is that as we manage our lives, it is our EQ that helps us navigate relationships and express our feelings productively. The good news? Emotional intelligence can be strengthened through reflection, practice, and experience. The further good news? This is important work that we can do in partnership with the girls in our lives; we can and should help them be smart about being emotionally smart as it will matter to their ability to get along in the world. In this episode, "The EQ Advantage," Rosalind Wiseman focuses on why and how a girl’s EQ is critical to her meaningful engagement with the world around her. Rosalind, a bestselling author and thought leader, works on the global stage helping parents, educators and students understand the fascinating realm of EQ and its impact on our lives. Rosalind has a unique ability to capture challenging concepts in compelling, “sticky” phrases, and she is on a quest to help us do this important work in our lives and the lives of our girls.

“Neurodiversity doesn’t need fixing. It’s just your brain. It is your state of existing. There is nothing to fix. It is wonderful the way it is.” -Emily Rushton Neurodiversity manifests differently in girls, so may not be diagnosed as quickly as it is in boys. And research tells us that girls who are neurodiverse are even more at risk to suffer mental health issues. In fact, often the neurodiversity in girls masquerades as a mental health issue complicating the diagnostic process further. The journey for a neurodiverse girl is not only challenging for her; it is equally hard for the adults who love her and know her to be wonderful just as she is. How can they ensure that she will confidently turn her neurodiversity into her superpower? In this episode, Emily Rushton, the go-to source on neurodiversity in girls for the Girls' Day School Trust, a family of 25 exceptional girls schools in the United Kingdom, shares insights. Emily couples the practical with the theoretical to ensure support for neurodiverse girls is both grounded in recent research and can be applied in real life. This episode is especially compelling as Emily herself is neurodiverse, bringing her humor, common sense, and passion in equal amounts to this important conversation. Resources: International Coalition for Girls Schools Girls Day School Trust How to be you by Ellie Middleton Explaining Humans by Camilla Pang Small Talk by Richard and Roxanne Pink Why Am I Like This by Gemma Styles

“I definitely feel concerned about how in the process of girls applying to college or looking for career paths that AI might displace or replace jobs in companies wanting to cut costs and automate processes.” -High School Junior Artificial Intelligence. Machines and systems that can imitate human cognitive function. It is both terrifying and exciting at once. Some happily exclaim it is the future; others warn it will change the world as we know it. AI, no longer confined to the realm of science fiction, is ubiquitous; embedded in nearly every facet of our daily lives. And that reality means AI is a new force to be reckoned with in the lives of the girls we know. Their knowledge of it matters in their lives today and far into their future. Yet, even as AI connects the girls in our lives to a world of unimagined possibilities, the adults responsible for helping them on the journey struggle to wrap their heads around this new kind of intelligence. In this episode we learn from Tyler Gaspich, an educator at the frontlines of this technology tsunami. Tyler, Director of Information Resources and Technologies at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur near Philadelphia is personally and professionally steeped in the AI arena as a teacher, administrator, and task force member studying AI with other school technology professionals. Using concrete examples, Tyler demystifies the language of AI, providing guidelines and wisdom for parents raising daughters in a world in which AI plays an increasingly larger role—for both good and bad.

“It is our job as humans to unlock each other’s magic.” -Jennifer Wallace Around the world, young people are grappling with unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression. The struggles we witness in the girls we know and love are part of a broader challenge. So the real question is: what can we do about it? The good news is there is a lot we can do to tackle this epidemic head on. We can start by letting girls know they matter; that they are valued for who they are deep in their core. In the words of Jennifer Wallace, “We can help them unlock their magic.” Jennifer Wallace, author of "Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It," an award-winning journalist and mother of three adolescents, brings deep research and real-world insights to the conversation. As she reminds us, we are the “first responders” in our children’s struggles. Her optimism is contagious as she offers practical ways to show up for the girls in our lives.

Season 2 of The Connected Girl is launching on 19 February 2025. The Connected Girl is a podcast series curated by the International Coalition of Girls Schools to address issues that impact the lives of girls. Last season, we gathered expert guests to explore girls’ connections to themselves and the world around them. The episodes provided deeply researched guidance for girls on setting boundaries, handling heartbreak, navigating life online and using their voices. The new season of The Connected Girl is a must-listen if you know, love and believe in empowering girls. Once again, we hear about the forces impacting connection and disconnection in girls. From navigating AI, neurodiversity and EQ to knowing you matter, being body confident and the science behind spirituality this season is one you don't want to miss! Subscribe now so that you don't miss any upcoming episodes.

🤔Have you ever wondered, or been asked, “Why do girls’ schools still exist in these modern times? And how do we measure and understand their impact?” If so, this audio short is for you. Join us as we explore nuggets from our podcast and compelling global research that will inform and inspire anyone who cares about girls and young women. The facts show that girls’ schools not only shape women who rise to the highest levels of leadership, but they also teach girls how to build the life they want, not the one they are told they should have, and to help others to do the same.

How do leaders get to the top? 🚀💼 We take a look at some of the factors that can help get girls there, from playing a sport or an instrument (yes, really) to being in environments that embrace equality. Join us as we explore nuggets from our podcast and ICGS events that will help anyone who cares about girls and young women to support them in their journey to move up in the world. If we work together, the very best leaders can fill positions of authority at work, in society and even in government – no matter whether they wear trousers and ties or not. 👔

🎤“Tell us what you really think!” Never has it felt so difficult to do this without the fear of being shouted down or shamed. Engaging in discussions about divisive topics can feel impossible in our polarized society. And if it’s tough for adults, imagine how hard it is for our young people—especially girls, who are socialized to be agreeable and polite. Join us as we explore nuggets from our podcast, webinars, and ICGS events to help our girls and young women to find their voices and develop the skill of engaging in civil discourse. If girls can understand others’ perspectives while still being able to express their own with confidence, they will help us build a better world. 🌎

Bullying and high rates of eating disorders and body dysmorphia are constant worries in the age of social media - for girls and the adults who care about them. In a world where young girls spend up to six hours of their day online, it’s important to help them navigate insecurities from the constant comparisons that may lead to feelings of low self-esteem. It’s also important to remember that it is indeed possible for girls to have positive relationships with social media and technology. Listen to this audio short for tips and tools to help girls experience life online in a healthy way, encouraging them to embrace the idea that ‘digital flourishing’ is achievable, and within reach.

‘Curiosity killed the cat’ and ‘don’t speak unless spoken to’ are the kinds of phrases many of us grew up hearing. Yet research shows that cultivating curiosity leads to better learning, creativity, and well-being. Helping girls develop their curiosity has immense benefits. They’re likely to take a keener interest in social justice issues, be more confident and self-aware, and take on more leadership roles. This audio short explores the many benefits of encouraging curious minds. And quite frankly, why wouldn’t we want that for the young women in our lives? 👭

Ninety-six percent of female CEOs credit their sports participation in high school as a time when they honed valuable leadership skills. Girls who participate in sports not only cultivate physical fitness, but they also develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. Movement-based education and sports contribute to improved cognitive functions and mental well-being, fostering confidence and self-acceptance. By challenging societal norms and representing more than themselves, girls who move also inspire others, and they pave the way for future generations of empowered women. GO TEAM!🤸🥇

“I feel like your voice is your courage…it’s your bravery.” (Culver Girls Academy student) Can there be any connection more vital in a girl’s life than her connection to her voice, her authentic voice? The word “voice” has multiple meanings in the world of girls. Voice is often a term that is used metaphorically to talk about gender equity, implying that to have voice is to have power, to lack voice is to be powerless. We need to remember, however, that every girl already has a voice, a real voice, a voice she uses every day to negotiate her world. But having that voice is only the beginning; she must learn to find that voice, to use that voice, to own that voice. This episode is about the girls who are on that journey and will need our support, our encouragement, our modeling, as they are going to need to be brave. Join host Trudy Hall as she shares a lively conversation with Latricia Barksdale, the Vice President of Lean In Girls, a leadership program that is on a mission to equip girls to be self-assured, resilient, and knowledgeable about the bias they will face in the real world. We live in a world that often sends signals to girls that leadership belongs to others. This conversation reminds us that leadership belongs to them…once they have owned the power of their voice. Resources: Lean in Girls: https://www.leaningirls.org/ ICGS: https://girlsschools.org/ Tell Our Story :https://girlsschools.org/advocacy/blog/2022/07/13/the-icgs-community-poem/

“Social media is a tool. If people aren’t equipped to navigate it positively, you are going to see negative consequences like anxiety and depression…I liken social media to giving students the key to a car….” (Laura Tierney) For better or for worse, the girls in our lives “do” social media; they are “connected” to TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and more. In fact, recent surveys tell us that 98% of the teenage girls in the survey used social media daily, spending about 2 hours on average–average– specifically on well known social media apps. Yet, the truth is that girls are conflicted about their relationship with social media. Many use the word “addicted,” aware they are wasting time scrolling but find social media to be essential for creative inspiration, relaxation and connectivity. Frankly, they already know social media plays both positive and negative roles in their lives. Clearly, it is a powerful influencer, but adults can proactively help girls manage their connection to social media so that their social media use doesn’t manage them. In this episode of The Connected Girl, host Trudy Hall invites Laura Tierney, the Founder and CEO of the Social Institute, to share proactive strategies for negotiating this tricky terrain. The Social Institute has designed a unique approach to help students navigate the possibilities of social media so that it can fuel wellness and future success, showcasing role models and leaning into character strengths such as empathy, integrity and teamwork to inspire students to make good choices with their social media use. She reminds us that we are–and need to be– critical partners with girls in this arena, keeping them connected to their real selves even as they stay connected to their smartphones. Resources: The Social Institute: https://thesocialinstitute.com/ Common Sense Media Report: How Girls Really Feel About Social Media:https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/how-girls-really-feel-about-social-media-researchreport_web_final_2.pdf International Coalition of Girls Schools: https://girlsschools.org/ Tell Our Story :https://girlsschools.org/advocacy/blog/2022/07/13/the-icgs-community-poem/

“With grief, for me personally, the main thing is letting myself feel it and not trying to pretend it hasn’t happened…Rather than hiding it, I give myself permission to deal with it. (Wycombe student) What we know for sure is that at some point the girls in our life will grieve a loss in their family, in their school or church community, in their world. It might be a break up with a first true love, a move away from friends, the loss of an adored pet, a parents’ divorce, the loss of a safe relationship–or worse, the death of a loved one, and might likely be a loss of a relationship that sustained her through thick and thin. She will be heartbroken. Walking the path of sorrow and sadness with her can break our hearts, too. Every type of grief is different and every one of us grieves differently; there is no grief handbook, but that is not a reason to dodge this important conversation. Listen in as Angela Terpstra, the Head of School at Bishop Strachan School in Canada, shares her compelling story of leading her school community through several significant losses. It is in the times of deepest loss that we lean heaviest into the communities that know and support us. Angela’s story inspires even as it reminds us why connecting a girl to her grief, and supporting her as she walks “with” grief can help her shape and reframe the many and varied emotions that will flow from that loss. Resources: Bishop Strachan School: https://www.bss.on.ca/ International Coalition of Girls Schools: https://girlsschools.org/ Tell Our Story :https://girlsschools.org/advocacy/blog/2022/07/13/the-icgs-community-poem/

“We need to work with our young people to help them understand what consent means.” (Elizabeth Zeigler) Unfortunately, the statistics tell us why having the hard conversations with girls about consent and violations of personal space is vital: 1 in 5 middle school students have experienced unwanted sexual contact; 1 in 20 girls have changed schools due to sexual harrassment; 1 in 4 women have experienced some form of sexual violence before college. The reality is that by the time students finish their education, 81% will have experienced some type of sexual harassment. This is a conversation that we may not want to have, but girls NEED us to have it. This episode of The Connected Girl coaches adults how to be proactive, and it also offers guidance as to what to do if the girl in your life is feeling unsafe due to some sort of harassment. Join host Trudy Hall as she learns from Elizabeth Zeigler, the former Executive Director of I Have The Right To, a nonprofit dedicated to being a hub for students, parents and educators as they search for resources and support to address sexual harrassment and sexual assault. Elizabeth, also the founder of Claremont, a coaching firm, is an experienced CEO who is committed to ensuring respectful cultures She believes that no one needs to be facing serious challenges without a network of support. This conversation is all about the criticality of girls respecting themselves as they confront challenges to the things that are most important to them—their feelings of safety, personal boundaries and their bodies. Hard and real for sure. Resources: I Have The Right To: https://ihavetherightto.org/ International Coalition of Girls Schools: https://girlsschools.org/ Tell Our Story :https://girlsschools.org/advocacy/blog/2022/07/13/the-icgs-community-poem/

“To have a good relationship with your child is extremely important, but not such a good relationship that you are describing your child as your best friend.” (Dr. Judith Locke) Is there any relationship, any connection, more vital, more critical in a young girl’s life than the one she has with her parents on the journey from girlhood to womanhood? Yet, is there any connection more fraught and fragile? Parenting a girl as she moves along the developmental path from dependence to independence is not a job for the faint of heart. There has never been a time when so much guidance has been available to parents, yet neither has there ever been a time when parents have struggled more to get parenting “right,” if there even is such a thing. This episode of The Connected Girl embraces the topic of maintaining a healthy connection to a girl as she becomes her own person, walking in the world in ways that are sometimes hard for parents to understand, making mistakes and choices that make her parents shake their heads and make her roll her eyes. Listen in as host Trudy Hall invites Dr. Judith Locke, a clinical psychologist and researcher from Australia, and the author of The Bonsai Child and The Bonsai Student, to share her theory about modern parenting. She posits that even though parents are spending more time than ever parenting their children, the self-esteem and resilience in their children is not reflecting that investment. What gives? She has a theory that makes a great deal of sense and some advice to go along with it. The girls voices you will hear give heartwarming testimony to the reality that girls truly want and need their parents in their lives. Resources: The Bonsai Child:https://www.bonsaichild.com/ The Bonsai Student:https://www.bonsaichild.com/#about-student-book International Coalition of Girls Schools: https://girlsschools.org/ Tell Our Story :https://girlsschools.org/advocacy/blog/2022/07/13/the-icgs-community-poem/