Mental Health in Teen Girls: Loneliness Takes a Toll on Confidence

 

Studies show that kids have struggled coming out of the pandemic – many felt isolated not being in school and having less opportunities to interact with friends on a regular basis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this has been especially concerning for teen girls who report experiencing record high levels of violence, sadness, and suicide risk. Research shows nearly 3-in-5 or 57% of teenage girls in the U.S. felt persistently sad or hopeless – twice as much as boys.

Nearly 1-in-3 girls have seriously considered suicide and nearly 20% have experienced sexual violence. This concern is further highlighted in a recent Girls Scouts of the USA survey, completed in partnership with National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and Wakefield Research, showing 70% of girls ages 5-13 experience loneliness. The survey polled 1,000 girls 5-13 in March 2024 with findings revealing as girls grow older, feelings of loneliness increase and confidence decrease. There's also encouraging news - data points to the power of friendship and meaningful connections that can empower girls and build resilience.

Key highlights from the research include:

*Loneliness Increases with Age: Survey results show loneliness escalates as girls get older. 64% of girls ages 5–7, 67% of girls ages 8–10, and 73% of girls ages 11–13 reported feelings of loneliness.

 

*As Loneliness Grows, Confidence Drops: While 86% of girls ages 5–7 expressed belief in their ability to tackle challenges, it dropped to 80% among girls ages 8–10, and 73% among 11–13-year-old girls. 

 

*Friendship Is a Confidence Booster: Companionship helps girls try things they wouldn’t otherwise do alone. More than half of girls surveyed report having a friend by their side encourages them to try new things like talk to a new kid (52%); 50% would join a new group with a friend. 

 

*Girls Prefer Real Interactions to Screen Time: Most girls prefer to be creative (63%), go outside and play (59%), or spend time with their family (59%) rather than spend more time on screens.

Associate Medical Director of NAMI, Dr. Christine Crawford, calls for interventions that foster meaningful connections and self-assurance among young girls saying, “As we navigate the complexities of today’s digital age, it’s imperative to prioritize genuine connections and emotional well-being. These findings serve as a wake-up call, urging us to redouble efforts to foster caring environments where girls feel empowered to express themselves and seek support.”

View the Survey

https://www.girlscouts.org/en/footer/press-room/2024-press-announcements/mental-health-awareness-month-2024.html