Gender Stereotypes, Social Media and Confidence Challenges Holding Teen Girls Back

COLUMBUS, Ohio, October 7, 2021 /3BL Media/ - The organization that executed the country’s largest survey of teen girls is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the release of a groundbreaking new book, Girls Without Limits: Helping Girls Succeed in Relationships, Academics, Careers and Life. 

“Our research from The Girls’ Index showed us clearly that the adolescent years are really tough for girls. They experience a 26% drop in self-confidence, increased levels of stress and pressure and restricted academic and career aspirations. Social media has only exacerbated these challenges and girls need support as well as skills to successfully navigate this terrain” said Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, Founder and CEO of ROX and author of Girls Without Limits.

The comprehensive book covers topics such as confidence, body image, social media, disrespect and sexual harassment, relationships, leadership and career planning. Key findings include:

• On average high school girls spend six hours a day using social media. Those who spend 8+ hours were 5 times more likely to report feeling sad or depressed nearly every day.
• Despite evolving gender norms, girls continue to report pressure surrounding expectations of female appearance and body image and a lack of access to high-powered jobs and leadership opportunities.
• Thirty percent of girls with a 4.0 grade point average do not believe they are smart enough for their dream jobs. Overall, 46% of girls feel this way.

Dr. Hinkelman adds, “We have a responsibility to amplify girls’ voices and a commitment to use data to make the world better for girls. This book provides real life scenarios, case studies, tips and activities that will help adults who want to be more aware, empowering and supportive of the girls in their lives.”

Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), the non-profit corporation behind The Girls’ Index research, is leading the charge to be the forefront authority of research, education, training and programming focused on girls.

As a top supporter of ROX, including corporate support of The Girls’ Index research study and Girls Without Limits 2021 fundraiser, Alliance Data Chief Commercial Officer and ROX Board of Directors member, Val Greer, stated, “At Alliance Data we invest in innovative, data-driven solutions that create value for our customers and our communities. The positive work of ROX is powered by robust data and is a clear and tangible example of how research drives decision-making and sustainable impact. We are proud to support ROX’s mission of creating the next generation of confident female leaders.”

The Girls Without Limits book launch is part of today’s Girls Without Limits 2021 event commemorating ROX’s 10-year anniversary, which will be held at 6 p.m. at the ROX headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to title sponsor Alliance Data, the event is supported by Huntington National Bank, IGS Energy, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP, Encova Insurance, Fifth Third Bank, Lightwell, and PNC.

About Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. 

Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The mission of ROX is to create generations of confident girls who control their own relationships, experiences, decisions and futures. ROX utilizes research and evidence-based programming to simultaneously impact girls, educate and support the adult influencers in girls' lives and improve the societal conditions that have the potential to negatively impact girls. For more information about ROX programming, visit www.rulingourexperiences.org.  

About Dr. Lisa Hinkelman

Lisa Hinkelman, Ph.D. is the founder and CEO of Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX). She is a counselor, educator, researcher and author of the #1 Amazon Top New Release, ‘Girls Without Limits: Helping Girls Succeed in Relationships, Academics, Careers and Life' Corwin Press, 2021.  Dr. Hinkelman's work for the past fifteen years has focused on the critical issues impacting girls and how schools, parents and educators can effectively support and encourage girls' interpersonal, educational and career growth. Previously, as a Counselor Education faculty member at The Ohio State University, Dr. Hinkelman's teaching and scholarly research focused on social and emotional learning, non-academic barriers that impact learning and girls' self-concept development. She was selected as a Nominated Changemaker for The White House United State of Women, Smart Business CEO of the Year and is a Draper, Richards, Kaplan Social Entrepreneur Fellow.

About Alliance Data

Alliance Data^® (NYSE: ADS) is a leading provider of data-driven marketing, loyalty and payment solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions that measurably change consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its partners create and increase customer loyalty across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Alliance Data is an S&P MidCap 400 company that consists of businesses that together employ approximately 8,000 associates at more than 45 locations worldwide.

Alliance Data's Card Services business is a comprehensive provider of market-leading private label, co-brand, general purpose and business credit card programs, digital payments, including Bread®, and Comenity-branded financial services. LoyaltyOne^® owns and operates the AIR MILES^® Reward Program, Canada's most recognized loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers. More information about Alliance Data can be found at www.AllianceData.com.

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ROX Media Contact:
Lauren Hancock, Director of Operations
Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX)
614-488-8080 x5
laurenhancock@rulingourexperiences.com