Are you ready for a wake-up call? A new study from the Girl Scouts of the USA reveals a concerning trend: girls are increasingly turning to screens, not just out of interest, but out of boredom and the fear of missing out (FOMO). This research highlights a critical need for families to re-evaluate their digital habits, especially with winter break just around the corner. But here's where it gets controversial...
The study found that over half (56%) of girls aged 5 to 13 use screens to combat boredom. And, even more concerning, 52% feel overlooked because their parents are glued to their own devices. This isn't just a fleeting observation; it's a pattern that demands our attention.
The Girl Scouts emphasize that while screens offer opportunities for creativity, learning, and connection, they also come with risks. Girls feel pressured to stay online to keep up with trends and conversations. The organization urges families to use the break as a chance to reset routines and foster more meaningful connections.
Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA, stated that this research is a crucial reminder for parents, caregivers, and girls themselves. She highlights the importance of real-life interactions and the potential dangers of excessive screen time, such as comparing oneself to others or developing unhealthy habits. She encourages families to embrace the break, slow down, and choose activities that spark curiosity and support girls' well-being.
Let's dive into some key findings:
- Screen Time Statistics: Nearly all girls (97%) spend time online. A significant 43% of girls aged 8 to 13 browse for 3 or more hours daily. Even at ages 5 to 7, more than half (58%) are online daily.
- FOMO Factor: 51% of girls aged 11–13 feel they must be online to avoid missing out. This drops to 21% for girls aged 5–7 and 31% for those aged 8–10.
- Hispanic Girls and FOMO: Among Hispanic girls, the pressure is even more pronounced: 56% of girls aged 11–13 and 40% of girls aged 8–10 feel the need to be online.
Now, let's explore some interesting nuances:
- Digital Self-Awareness in Black Girls: Black girls report spending more time online, but also show strong digital self-awareness at a young age. Half (50%) of Black girls aged 5–7 recognize the potential impact of their online behavior. This increases with age, reaching 62% for ages 8–10 and 79% for ages 11–13.
Black Girls' Online Habits: Many Black girls spend considerable time online daily: 70% of 5–7-year-olds go online at least once a day, with 42% of girls aged 8–10 and 65% of girls aged 11–13 spending 3 or more hours online outside of schoolwork.
Struggling for Parental Attention: 52% of girls say they struggle to get their parent's attention because the parent is on their phone. This rises to 64% among girls aged 8–10. Interestingly, Black girls report this less frequently (45%), including just 35% of Black girls ages 5–7.
The Girl Scouts offer programs like the Be Internet Awesome Family Challenge to help families use technology more intentionally. These resources, supported by Google, are available on the Raising Awesome Girls website, providing tools for troop leaders, parents, and girls to engage safely in the digital age.
What do you think? Are you surprised by these findings? How do you manage screen time in your family? Do you agree with the Girl Scouts' recommendations, or do you have a different perspective? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more information, to join or to donate, visit girlscouts.org.
About Girl Scouts of the USA:
Girl Scouts empowers girls to achieve their dreams and build a better world. With programs across the country, girls of all backgrounds discover their strengths and meet new challenges. Supported by volunteers, mentors, and alums, Girl Scouts lead the way.
Survey Methodology:
The Girl Scouts Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research to 1,000 U.S. girls aged 5 to 13, with oversamples of 500 Black girls and 500 Hispanic girls. The survey was conducted between June 3rd and June 16th, 2025, using an email invitation and an online survey. The data has been weighted.
