Author and educator, Rachel Simmons examines the challenges that face young women as they surf the waves of 21st -century adolescence. Will these girls stride confidently through newly opened doors or will they be stunted by societal messages that tell them females should be constantly agreeable, impossibly thin and sexy above all else?

This provocative documentary follows the lives of four girls who tell their own deeply personal tales of dealing with issues like cyber-bullying, body image and violence.

“A Girl’s Life” premiers on PBS stations nationwide December 30, 2009.