In Girls on the Edge, psychologist and physician Leonard Sax argues that many girls today have a brittle sense of self-they may look confident and strong on the outside, but they're fragile within. Sax offers the tools we need to help them become independent and confident women, and provides parents with practical tips on everything from helping their daughter limit her time on Facebook, to choosing a sport, to nurturing her spirit through female-centered activities. Compelling and inspiring, Girls on the Edge points the way to a new future for today's girls and young women. the four factors: Sexual Identity. Girls are trying to look sexy at younger ages than ever before. This has the unintended consequence of disengaging them from their sexual identity. The Cyberbubble. In this era of Facebook and texting, girls can easily become stuck in a "cyberbubble": hyper-connected with their peers, but disconnected from themselves.

Obsessions. Some girls are anxious about grades or about sports. Without a strong sense of sell, girls become vulnerable to obsessions. Environmental Toxins. Endocrine disruptors are causing early onset of puberty, putting girls at increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety, and depression as teenagers. Book jacket.