In today’s fast-paced, pressure-filled world, adolescence has become a tougher journey than ever before. With skyrocketing rates of anxiety, social media pressures, and academic demands, girls and boys are facing unprecedented challenges.
According to research, girls today are reporting higher rates of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues than any previous generation (Sax, 2010). The constant presence of social media, the race for academic achievement, and the pressure to maintain a certain image have placed immense burdens on young girls. Many adolescent girls grapple with the pressure of conforming to impossible standards of success, friendship, and beauty which leads them to mental health issues, manifesting as low self-esteem, social anxiety, and body image struggles.
EAP’s Girls Rising Strong program directly addresses these challenges by helping girls focus on building an internal identity that’s based on Character and Integrity, not external validation. The program dives deep into the issues that often drive girls to anxiety and self-doubt, including body image, social comparison, and self-worth
By teaching critical skills like media literacy, positive body image, and resilience training, Girl Rising Strong guides participants to embrace who they are—Free from the expectations of peers and perfectionism portrayed on social media.
“Girls today are wired to seek approval, often at the cost of their own happiness and self-worth,” the EAP team explains. “We’re here to disrupt that cycle and show them they have the power to define themselves.”
On the other side of the spectrum, adolescent boys face challenges that often go Unspoken and Unheard. Often caught between traditional ideas of masculinity and modern expectations, many adolescent boys feel pressure to suppress emotions or meet external standards of strength and success. This internal conflict can lead to disengagement and a lack of motivation, with boys frequently withdrawing from academic and social responsibilities when they grow up.
With fewer male role models, societal confusion about masculinity, and the allure of escapism through gaming and media, many boys find it difficult to stay motivated and engaged in school and social life.
EAP’s Boys Breaking Through program tackles this head-on, helping boys understand the true meaning of strength, character, and purpose. By providing a safe environment where boys can explore their identities and redefine masculinity, the program instills a sense of responsibility, accountability, and emotional intelligence— all while fostering Character Development. “We know that boys often face unique pressures—pressures that sometimes cause them to retreat from engagement, self-confidence, and purpose,” the EAP team says. “Boys Breaking Through offers them tools they need to approach life with strength and empathy.”
