A recent survey conducted by Girlguiding has revealed alarming trends regarding the online experiences of girls and young women aged 11 to 21. Despite an increase in unwanted sexual images and cyberstalking, many young individuals remain unwilling to take a break from social media, driven primarily by a fear of missing out (FOMO).
The survey, which included over 2,000 participants, found that more than half of these young women feel compelled to stay active on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and WhatsApp. Nearly one in five respondents reported being victims of online stalking, and over a third expressed that they frequently encounter sexual images that they did not wish to see. These figures indicate a significant rise in online harassment, with both incidents becoming more prevalent year after year.
This troubling environment contributes to broader anxieties among young women, as half of those surveyed expressed concerns about their futures. Confidence appears to be waning, with only a quarter feeling very secure in their life choices and aspirations. Furthermore, only 37% reported feeling strong connections online—a statistic that has been steadily declining over the past four years.
The adverse effects of social media are echoed by Jiya, a 17-year-old Girlguiding advocate. She highlights the unrealistic beauty standards and rampant sexism that girls face daily, both online and offline. Jiya points out that while social media promotes a sense of connection, it simultaneously subjects young women to harsh judgments and comparisons, leading to body shaming, online harassment, and objectification. This toxic environment exacerbates feelings of loneliness and undermines self-esteem, making it increasingly challenging for young women to maintain a positive outlook on their futures.
The survey also revealed that an overwhelming 85% of respondents experience sexism in their daily lives, with more than half encountering sexist comments in person and nearly three-quarters experiencing it online. This pervasive culture of misogyny has heightened feelings of insecurity, with 47% of girls aged 11 to 21 reporting that sexism and misogyny make them feel less safe—more than double the number from a decade ago.
Angela Salt, the chief executive of Girlguiding, expressed her concern over the growing number of girls feeling insecure about themselves and their futures. She noted that the ongoing prevalence of sexism leaves many feeling vulnerable and unsafe. In response to these findings, the Home Office has proposed treating extreme misogyny as a form of extremism and is undertaking a review to address this and other harmful ideologies.
Girlguiding advocates for new educational resources focusing on relationships, sex, and health to combat sexism and misogyny in schools, fostering healthier relationships among young people.
On a more positive note, the survey found that 44% of girls and women between the ages of seven and 21 maintain a sense of hopefulness about the future, while a similar proportion expressed curiosity about what lies ahead. This duality of experience—marked by both challenges and optimism—highlights the need for ongoing support and resources to empower young women in navigating the complexities of the digital age.
As the dialogue around misogyny and online harassment continues, it is essential that the voices of girls and young women are amplified, ensuring that their experiences inform the solutions necessary for creating a safer, more supportive environment.