State of the Georgia Girl Report

Social Connection: Loneliness

Loneliness during adolescence is increasingly recognized as a public health concern. Research linking adolescent social isolation to measurable mental health decline – including elevated rates of depression and anxiety – cites the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media. Among teenagers, these two forces decrease time spent in face-to-face relationships and intensify image-based comparisons (Twenge, 2022). The pattern is most pronounced among adolescent girls. 1 in 3 middle and high school girls in Georgia experiences loneliness each month – a rate 50% higher than that of boys. Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Student Health Survey – Middle and High School, 2023–2024.

Experienced loneliness in past 30 days. Middle and High School students.

19%

SOCIAL WELLNESS OF GEORGIA GIRLS

12%

8%

5%

4%

3%

1 to 5 days

6 - 19 days

20+ days

Female

Male

Closely related to this rise in loneliness is the experience many Georgia girls report of feeling that their own behavior and personality are shifting in ways that impact their social relationships. One in three middle and high school girls in Georgia reports experiencing drastic changes in her own behavior and personality that affect her social relationships. Taken together, this internal tension may contribute to the rise in loneliness of Georgia girls as teenagers struggle with navigating increasingly complex social relationships while also navigating internal emotional changes.

One in three middle and high school girls report experiencing drastic changes in their behavior or personality, impacting social relationships.

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THE 2026 STATE OF THE GEORGIA GIRL REPORT