Mental health depictions on screen help girls open up

Over two thirds (68%) of girls aged 11-18 in the UK say they would feel more comfortable talking about mental health after seeing characters on screen with mental health conditions, finds new research from Girlguiding and ODEON.

The research which explores the impact mental health portrayal in film and on TV has on girls, revealed nearly half (49%) of girls had spoken to someone about mental health after seeing mental health conditions portrayed on screen.

66% of girls said seeing characters in films or on TV talk about their mental health had helped them to understand mental health better and 33% said it had made them or someone they knew want to get help or support.

80% of girls agreed that TV and films that show people experiencing mental health conditions help to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, however only 49% of girls believed mental health is often presented on screen in a way that feels real and respectful.(1)

The new research follows Girlguiding’s annual Girls’ Attitudes Survey, which highlights the mental health crisis facing girls and young women. It found 84% of girls aged 11-16 knew someone their age that had experienced anxiety, self-harm, depression or an eating disorder. (2)

As part of their long-term partnership Girlguiding and ODEON hosted a panel discussion yesterday at ODEON Luxe West End in London’s Leicester Square to explore the research findings in greater depth with industry and sector figures chaired by Girlguiding advocates, Katie, 18, and Staci, 20.

Among the panellists were Lisa Zaranyika (Young Minds, Director of Community and Culture); Sarah Miles (Mind, Head of Information Content) Sian Jenkins (ODEON, Commercial Director); Sam Joly (Marketing and Publicity Consultant, previously See-Saw Films Head of Marketing and Publicity); and Emma, 19, (British Board of Film Classification, Youth Panellist).

Girlguiding Advocate Katie, 18, said:

“Sadly, we know that there has been a significant decline in young people’s mental health over the past decade. Right now, we are in the midst of a mental health crisis for girls. The numbers in Girlguiding’s research paint a stark picture, not only of rising challenges but also of the urgent need for meaningful support and representation.”

Sian Jenkins, Commercial Director at ODEON said: “The earlier that you can open up these conversations, the better. It’s so important that young people can see a reflection of themselves to identify with to help them start to share and talk about mental health.

“Supporting mental health is something that is really woven into the culture at ODEON and it’s so important to us. Not only does it matter to us to be showing content that explores mental health but also the space cinemas provide in getting that time away from a phone screen to have that shared multi-sensory experience.”

Emma, 19, Youth Panellist from the British Board of Film Classification said: ”Young people want authenticity, we don’t want stories that sugar coat or feed into stereotypes. It’s important to remember that representation isn’t about showing perfection, it’s about showing the truth. What really resonates with young audiences is when you have a film that shows the hope and the struggle, and that mental health isn’t something you should be ashamed of. It’s part of the human lived experience.”

Lisa Zaranyika, Director of Community and Culture at Young Minds said: “What we know is that representation matters. Being able to see yourself reflected on the screen is really important. It provides a window to begin what can be scary and quite difficult conversations.

“It’s important that we show how a sibling might respond, or a friendship network, giving young people hope that if they are able to share their story or struggle with another person, that might be the key to unlocking greater support.”

As the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, Girlguiding provides a supportive space for over 300,000 girls aged 4-18. It’s programme of badges and activities help promote wellbeing and empower girls to know they can do anything. From spending time outdoors in nature to learning how to stay safe, healthy and happy under the ‘Be Well’ programme theme with badges like Mindfulness, Healthy Mind, Calm Spaces and Meditation.

Girlguiding actively advocates for improved mental health support for girls and young women.
Girlguiding and ODEON have been working together for the past eight years, providing affordable cinema experiences for girls beyond their unit meetings, and opportunities for volunteers to connect with their guiding community. The partnership includes special screenings of the latest family-friendly films exclusively for Girlguiding members.

1. OnePoll survey, Girlguiding and ODEON, June 2025
2. Girls’ Attitudes Survey 2024

Research Methodology

The research was conducted by OnePoll, among a sample of 1000 UK girls aged between 11-18 (nat rep). The data was collected between 24.6.25-30.6.25. OnePoll follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. They also hold the quality certificate for Communications Management Standards (CMS).