State of the Georgia Girl Report

Healthy Behaviors, continued.

Coupled with concerning eating habits are lower rates of engaging in physical activity, compared to boys. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, more than 1 in 10 girls in Georgia engaged in zero days of physical activity over the last week according to their parents . When asked directly in the Georgia Student Health Survey, 27% of middle and high school girls say they did not participate in any physical activity over the last week. 1 in 10 girls in Georgia lacked any physical activity over the last week. U.S. Census, National Survey of Children’s Health, 2022-2023, Indicator 1.1, Georgia.

Children engaging in 0 days of physical activity within the last week, according to parents.

Female %

11%

PHYSICAL WELLNESS OF GEORGIA GIRLS

Male %

9%

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children between the ages of 6 and 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Parents report that more than 8 in 10 girls are not receiving the recommended level of physical activity. Physical activity in young people contributes to positive physical health by reducing the risk of illness and obesity, while also promoting positive outcomes in other areas of well-being such as mental health and social connectedness (Kemel, 2022). Encouraging a larger portion of girls to participate in even low-intensity physical activity is an important factor in their overall well-being.

of girls ages 8-10 say their body and how it looks is a top concern. Girl Scouts of the USA and Flamingo, Body Appreciation Program Survey, 2025 43%

26

THE 2026 STATE OF THE GEORGIA GIRL REPORT