State of the Girl: What New Research Reveals
A new State of the Girl 2026 report from Girl Scouts of the USA offers a closer look at the experiences of girls growing up today. Drawing on Girl Scouts research and national data, the report explores the challenges girls face—from loneliness and body image concerns to social pressures—while also highlighting their confidence, resilience and optimism about the future.
Among the findings:
64% of girls ages 5 to 7 report feeling lonely.
89% of girls ages 5 to 7 have skipped something they wanted to do because of fear or lack of confidence.
55% of girls are interested in STEM careers, up from 45% in 2017.
Rather than spend more time on screens, most girls say they’d rather be creative, play outside or spend time with family.
More than half say having a friend nearby gives them the confidence to try something new.
The report suggests girls are more likely to thrive when they have supportive friendships, trusted mentors and opportunities to explore new experiences. It also emphasizes the important role community organizations and extracurricular activities can play in helping girls build confidence and connection. Read the full report at gseok.org/sotg26.
