State of the Georgia Girl Report

Social Connection: Adult Support

Decades of research suggests youth obtain a multitude of benefits in expanding key adult relationships beyond immediate caregivers. An adult mentor is defined broadly as a non parental adult promoting positive youth development through a relationship with a specific child ( DuBois, 2002 ). Among the extensive list of benefits, mentors generally: • Prevent poor youth outcomes. The presence of an adult mentor is shown to reduce behaviors such as substance abuse ( Thomas, 2013 ). • Promote academic achievement. Students receiving informal mentorship at school attain higher academic proficiency and attend college at a higher rate ( Kraft, 2023 ). • Promote positive mental health. Mentors cultivate positive self-esteem and emotional well-being, serving to protect against mental health challenges ( Claro, 2021 ). 25% of high school girls in Georgia report not having an adult to talk with if they have a problem. This trend is also observed by caregivers, though to a lesser degree: according to parents of girls, 1 in 10 girls lack an adult mentor outside the home.

SOCIAL WELLNESS OF GEORGIA GIRLS

One in four middle and high school girls reports not having an adult at school they can talk with if they have a problem.

In addition to the benefits of mentorship for youth, research also indicates the evolving nature of positive mentor relationships. Studies show the solution to creating a wider network of support for girls in Georgia does not require formal, long-term mentor relationships. In fact, recent studies demonstrate short-term relationships with adult mentors can serve as transitional support through specific periods of time or targeted support to meet specific objectives (Cavell, 2021).

74

THE 2026 STATE OF THE GEORGIA GIRL REPORT