Majority of Girls and Young Women in UK Adjust Daily Lives to Feel Safe, Survey Reveals

Published: 23 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

A significant number of girls and young women across the United Kingdom are altering their everyday routines in response to safety concerns, according to a recent survey conducted by the Girlguiding charity. The research highlights that fears about harassment and violence continue to shape the daily behaviour of the nation’s female youth, with consequences extending to their education, social lives, and mental well-being.

The survey, which forms part of Girlguiding’s annual Girls’ Attitudes report, collected responses from 2,640 girls and young women aged between seven and 21. It found that two-thirds of respondents reported changing their behaviour in some way to feel safer, with nearly one-third (31%) avoiding public transport when travelling alone. This figure marks a sharp rise compared to previous years, reflecting growing unease among young females about their security in both urban and suburban environments.

Across the 11 to 21 age group, more than half of girls (56%) reported feeling unsafe when travelling alone, up from 45% in 2022. In addition to avoiding public transport, many participants disclosed taking extra precautions such as avoiding going out after dark. Indeed, 86% admitted they deliberately stayed indoors during nighttime hours to mitigate risk, with girls from minority ethnic backgrounds reporting even higher levels of caution.

The survey also highlighted how safety concerns influence clothing choices and social interactions. Approximately 68% of respondents said they had modified their behaviour to reduce the likelihood of sexual harassment. Among these, one in three reported changing what they wore, while more than a quarter (28%) had stopped visiting places they previously frequented. Around 12% had altered the locations where they exercised, demonstrating the pervasive impact of safety fears on even everyday activities.

Girls with disabilities were particularly vulnerable, with only 17% feeling secure when using public transport, compared to 33% of non-disabled peers. The survey findings suggest that accessibility challenges and heightened perceptions of risk intersect, leaving disabled girls disproportionately affected and more likely to restrict their mobility and social engagement. Similarly, neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ girls expressed heightened concerns about personal safety, with some altering school attendance patterns to avoid harassment.

School environments were also identified as a key area of concern. More than half of girls aged 11 to 18 (58%) reported experiencing toxic comments from male pupils, while 32% witnessed teachers or other school staff subjected to sexist or misogynistic abuse. One in ten girls aged 11 to 16 said they did not feel safe at school, a figure rising to over two in ten for LGBTQ+ students and three in ten for disabled students. Alarmingly, 10% of respondents acknowledged deliberately skipping school to reduce the risk of sexual harassment, a number that increases to 21% for girls with disabilities and 18% for neurodivergent or LGBTQ+ students.

Even among younger pupils, the prevalence of uncomfortable or inappropriate interactions was evident. Among girls aged seven to ten, 32% reported receiving comments from boys at school that made them feel uneasy, and 17% indicated that boys regularly commented on the bodies of girls and young women. These findings underscore the early age at which gendered harassment and societal pressures begin to influence behaviour, suggesting that interventions must begin in primary education.

The Girlguiding report stresses that systemic action is required to address the cultural and structural factors contributing to girls’ fears. It urges local authorities and schools to publicly outline plans to combat misogyny within their communities and emphasizes the importance of consulting girls and young women in shaping public safety measures. Public transport authorities are similarly called upon to engage directly with young passengers to understand their concerns and implement measures that increase safety and confidence in using services.

Amanda Azeez, acting chief executive of Girlguiding, reflected on the findings, stating: “Although considerable progress has been made toward gender equality, these findings reveal that in many areas, the treatment and behaviour that girls face has not improved. Girls continue to be made to feel unsafe and inadequate, which impacts their mental health and limits their ability to live freely.” She added that addressing these issues requires immediate action, with young females at the centre of developing solutions: “Girls need to be able to trust decision-makers to protect them and rely on their peers for support.”

Despite the troubling statistics, the survey also revealed encouraging evidence of solidarity among young women. Approximately 70% of respondents aged 11 to 21 reported standing up for peers who faced sexism or misogyny, reflecting a growing culture of support and advocacy among girls and young women. This peer-led activism offers a counterbalance to the pervasive fears highlighted by the study and suggests that interventions focusing on empowerment and allyship may be particularly effective.

The implications of the report extend beyond individual behaviour, illustrating broader societal challenges. Persistent feelings of insecurity among young females can have lasting effects on their physical and mental health, educational outcomes, and social development. Moreover, the survey highlights disparities based on race, disability, and sexual orientation, indicating that interventions must be inclusive and attentive to the specific needs of marginalized groups.

Experts in child and adolescent welfare emphasize that addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach. Strategies may include implementing comprehensive anti-bullying and anti-harassment programs in schools, improving the safety and accessibility of public spaces, and creating forums for young women to express their concerns and participate in decision-making processes. By prioritizing the voices and experiences of girls, policymakers and educators can develop measures that not only mitigate risks but also foster confidence and autonomy.

The report serves as a reminder that gender-based fear is a pervasive and ongoing challenge, affecting girls and young women across all areas of daily life. As public awareness grows, it is hoped that initiatives informed by the insights gathered from surveys such as Girlguiding’s will lead to meaningful improvements in safety, equality, and the well-being of young females throughout the UK.

Ultimately, the findings underscore the importance of listening to the experiences of girls and young women, creating responsive and accountable systems, and promoting a culture of respect and safety. By doing so, society can ensure that girls are not constrained by fear but are empowered to live, travel, learn, and engage in their communities freely and confidently.