RESEARCH FINDINGS

Black girls are often treated as if they are older than they actually are and as a result, they do not receive the same level of care and protection from adults as other children do.

Adults often try to make Black girls behave in ways that are seen as “ladylike” according to traditional white norms of femininity. This can make Black girls feel like they have to hide who they truly are and conform to what society expects of them. This can be very stressful and can prevent them from expressing themselves freely.

Black girls are often held to a stricter standard of behavior than their white peers. This means that when they break rules, they may receive harsher punishments than their white peers, even if they committed the same offense. This can make it harder for Black girls to succeed and can contribute to feelings of unfairness and inequality.

Adults often try to make Black girls behave in ways that are seen as “ladylike” according to traditional white norms of femininity. This can make Black girls feel like they have to hide who they truly are and conform to what society expects of them. This can be very stressful and can prevent them from expressing themselves freely.

Black girls may not feel safe expressing their emotions because they fear being judged or misunderstood by others. As a result, they may put up a tough exterior and try to mask their feelings instead of showing vulnerability. This can lead to emotional stress and can make it harder for them to form meaningful connections with others.

“I feel like I have to look really happy, like I am not angry or sad - not just in school, but any place outside. If I am sad about something, I try not to look it, so people don’t make assumptions or assume how I am feeling. People usually think that Black people are angry, or they just want to start something. I want to seem just more approachable. So, I just try and do that”. -Black girl, 13 years old

Gender stereotypes affect how Black girls are treated as well, with expectations for them to take on responsibilities traditionally associated with motherhood, such as doing household chores and taking care of younger siblings. This can make them grow up faster than their peers and may cause them to miss out on important aspects of childhood contributing to Adultification Bias

“My mom asked me to clean her car and while I was cleaning it, my brother was in his room playing a game or something like that and I thought my mum would help me, but she didn’t. The next day she took my siblings out with the car and when they got back, the car was a mess and I felt like all the effort I put in to clean the car was wasted. I know I am the oldest and I should get to do some chores but sometimes it just feels a certain type of way.” -Black girl, 14 years old

It is undeniable that Adultification has a significant impact on the lives of Black girls in Canada, affecting how they are treated by teachers, authority figures, and the media. This reality is heartbreaking, and we can no longer afford to ignore it. Black girls face many challenges that can affect their emotional and psychological well-being, as well as their ability to succeed in society.