When did moral panics about girls first emerge?

Moral panics about girls became prominent in the twentieth century, particularly as societal changes began to redefine the roles and expectations of women and girls. This period, especially post-World War II, saw a surge in concerns about the perceived moral decline associated with emerging youth cultures, sexual liberation movements, and changing family dynamics.

Historians and sociologists have documented instances of public anxiety over issues like teenage sexual behavior, the depiction of girls in media, and the notion of 'bad influences' which were often projected onto young women. These concerns led to significant cultural dialogues about propriety, safety, and the moral grounding of society, framing these discussions as moral panics.

In earlier centuries, while there were undoubtedly concerns about girls and women, the specific framing of these concerns as a moral panic, characterized by heightened media attention and societal debate, is a phenomenon that distinctly developed during the twentieth century, particularly with increased visibility of gender issues and youth rebellion. This context makes the twentieth century the correct answer in understanding when moral panics about girls significantly emerged.