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What is gurl core?
gurl core is a media literacy movement for girls ages 8 to 13. It helps them question what they see on social media, understand how it shapes their self-image, and build lasting confidence in the process.
Created by designer and media literacy advocate Caroline Schwarm, gurl core began as a thesis project while completing her MFA at a top design school. It was developed through years of research on how social media impacts self-esteem and mental health in young girls. Caroline collaborated with licensed mental health professionals, school educators, and real tween girls to create a media literacy framework made specifically for this age group.
Why focus on tween girls?
Girls ages 8 to 13 are at a critical stage in their development. These are the years when identity is starting to form, social comparison becomes more intense, and they are getting their first cell phones. Research shows that tween girls are among the most at risk when it comes to the emotional impact of social media. They are also part of the demographic seeing some of the steepest increases in anxiety, depression, and suicide risk, especially when they spend hours a day consuming filtered, curated, and idealized content.
gurl core was created to reach girls before self-esteem issues become deeply rooted due to social media usage.
What makes this different from other media literacy programs?
Most media literacy programs focus on topics like misinformation or deepfakes. And while that matters, it’s not what’s causing tween girls to question their worth. Girls this age are constantly seeing unrealistic standards of beauty, popularity, and perfection. On top of that, those unrealistic standards are now being applied directly to their own faces through AI (artificial intelligence) filters.
They are growing up in a world where altered images are normal, likes and comments define value, and social comparison happens with every scroll. This affects how they feel about themselves in deep and lasting ways.
Built with girls, not just for them
Every piece of the journal was shaped by feedback from real girls. During development, a Girl Scout troop and other tween participants completed an early prototype of the journal and gave direct input on how it made them feel. Their voices influenced everything, from the activities and tone, to the overall design.
Made for the adults who care
gurl core was created for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to help girls grow up with stronger self-esteem and critical thinking skills. It offers a creative and thoughtful way to start meaningful conversations and give girls the tools they need to navigate social media with more awareness, confidence, and care.
