Research on the Thoughts, Experiences, Behaviors, and Attitudes of Teen Girls Across the U.S.

The Girls’ Index is a big study that started in 2017 to learn more about what girls in the U.S. think, believe, and need. It gathered insights from 17,000 girls and shared some surprising and worrying results.

One big finding is that girls’ confidence has dropped a lot over the years — from 68% in 2017 to just 55% now. The study also found that this drop in confidence starts in 5th grade and continues through high school, with younger girls feeling it the most.

According to the 2023 findings, sadness and stress are rising among girls, especially the youngest ones. Fifth and sixth graders have seen the biggest increases in feeling sad and having low self-esteem. In fact, daily sadness has tripled since 2017.

A shocking 76% of 5th graders say they feel a lot of pressure from school, friendships, and family. Social media seems to be a big part of this, with 46% of 5th-grade girls now spending six or more hours a day online, compared to only 9% in 2017.

Many girls also want to be leaders — 59% of them — but more than half are afraid of being called “bossy” if they take charge.

Understanding the Research 

The Girls’ Index™ 2023, done by a group called ROX, helps people understand the challenges girls face and what they need to succeed. It also gives ideas for how schools, families, and leaders can help make life better for girls.

This study made sure to include girls from different backgrounds, cultures, and income levels. Because so many girls took part, the results are highly reliable and accurate. With a 99% confidence level and a margin of error of just +/- 1%, it uses both quantitative data and qualitative data (personal stories).

Below are the key findings in six domains — Confidence, Social Media, Stress and Well-Being, School, Leadership, and Relationships. It’s important to note that these struggles are most noticeable in 5th-8th grade girls:

• Confidence: Girls’ confidence has dropped by 13% since 2017. It dropped the most for 5th-grade girls.
• Social Media: Social media use has gone way up, with 95% of 5th-grade girls using it. Almost half spend more than 6 hours a day on it.
• Stress and Well-Being: Many girls feel really stressed, with 79% saying they feel like they might “explode.” Sadness and depression have tripled for 5th-6th graders and doubled for 7th-8th graders.
• School: School causes a lot of stress for girls. Half say drama and fights make them dislike school, and many avoid certain classes because they feel outnumbered by boys.
• Leadership: More girls are holding back their opinions to be liked — 66%, up from 46% in 2017. Many (55%) fear being called bossy if they take on leadership roles, compared to 33% in 2017.
• Relationships: Girls struggle with relationships, with 67% saying most girls compete with each other. Also, 76% don’t feel that boys their age are respectful toward girls.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers 

This study is important because it shows the growing pressures and struggles girls deal with in today’s world. It reminds us that we need to find ways to help girls build confidence and stay strong so they can succeed.

Here are a few simple tips parents and caregivers can use to support the girls in their lives:

Talk openly about confidence

Girls can doubt themselves, especially during their pre-teen and teen years. Regularly talk to them about what confidence means, and normalize the idea that it’s okay to feel unsure sometimes.

You can share your own experiences of overcoming challenges to show them that even adults face insecurities but can work through them.

Limit social media time

Social media can make girls compare themselves to others in unhealthy ways. Make a family plan for using technology, like having screen-free time during meals or before bed.

Other activities, like hobbies, sports, or spending time outside, help them build confidence and enjoy things without relying on likes or comments online.

Provide leadership opportunities

Girls can feel hesitant to take on leadership roles because they fear being judged or labeled as “bossy.”

Help them build leadership skills by encouraging them to take on age-appropriate responsibilities, such as leading family game nights, joining a club at school, or participating in volunteer projects. Don’t forget to celebrate their successes!

ROX also offers detailed recommendations and tools for parents, teachers, and caregivers to help girls. Check them out here.

Starting today, give girls the tools to handle life’s challenges and positively impact their future with our Self-Esteem Worksheets and Stress Management Worksheets.