#USA #New York #Girl Scouts #adulthood #confidence

New Insights into Girls' Fears of Adulthood

Recent findings released by the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) have brought to light the underlying fears that many girls experience when it comes to the prospect of growing up. A staggering 54% of girls between the ages of 5 and 13 reported feelings of anxiety surrounding adulthood. This anxiety appears to spike with age; only 41% of younger girls aged 5 to 7 expressed fear, while this number rises to 62% for those aged 8 to 10 and then stabilizes at 60% for girls aged 11 to 13.

The Importance of Role Models

These statistics indicate a crucial need for positive role models in the lives of young girls. According to the data, 85% of girls express admiration for mentors based on their abilities and achievements, rather than their physical appearance (15%). This highlights the essential role that mentoring plays in building confidence and reassuring young girls about their futures as they transition into adulthood.

Bonnie Barczykowski, the CEO of GSUSA, emphasized the importance of supportive adults in helping girls navigate the challenges of growing up. She stated, "Girls are coming of age in an increasingly fast-paced world, and they are carrying the weight of that change while still trying to be children. It is vital for them to have adult support in their lives to help them develop confidence and life skills that they can carry forward."

Practical Guidance for Adults

In light of these challenges, Girl Scouts of the USA is taking proactive measures to provide practical guidance for parents and caregivers. Here are a few key areas where adult mentors can help girls cultivate confidence and resilience:

1. Normalizing Uncertainty: Mentors play a pivotal role in helping girls understand that adulthood does not require having all the answers. This approach reframes the future as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of fear.

2. Teaching Real-World Skills: From financial literacy to decision-making and communication skills, mentors can equip girls with practical tools they need to face everyday challenges confidently.

3. Creating Safe Exploration Opportunities: In supportive, low-risk environments, girls can take on leadership roles and try new skills, fostering resilience through hands-on experience.

4. Modeling Healthy Adult Choices: Mentors can serve as relatable examples of how to manage responsibilities, pursue goals, and maintain well-being in today’s world.

5. Emphasizing Values and Impact: By encouraging girls to focus on what truly matters—such as making meaningful contributions and defining their own success—mentors can help shift their perspective from perfectionism to purposeful action.

Girl Scouts: Building a Future of Confidence

The mission of Girl Scouts of the USA is to ensure that girls do not feel isolated when contemplating their futures. Through engaging activities and supportive mentorship, they provide a platform for young girls to discover their strengths and potential. In an age when growing up can seem overwhelming, Girl Scouts continues to be a trustworthy community where girls can develop resilience, self-assurance, and the skills necessary to shape their futures with optimism and strength.

To learn more, get involved, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.

A Call to Action

Girl Scouts empowers girls to make their dreams a reality, work collaboratively for a better world, and face challenges head-on. Through programs nationwide, girls from diverse backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to be their true selves, face new challenges, and discover their strengths. Supported by adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alumnae, they are leading the way by finding their voices and making a difference on issues that matter to them. Join us by becoming a volunteer, reconnecting, or donating today.

Survey Methodology

The survey conducted by Girl Scouts of the USA was held from June 3 to June 16, 2025, through Wakefield Research and involved 1,000 American girls aged between 5 and 13, ensuring a comprehensive representation with an oversample of 500 Black girls and 500 Hispanic girls. The findings were weighted to reflect robust conclusions.