Four in 10 Scottish girls do not feel safe outside alone, survey finds

More than four in 10 girls (44%) in Scotland do not feel safe outside by themselves, according to research.

The survey for Girlguiding also found more than a quarter (26%) change where they socialise to avoid sexual harassment.

More than eight in 10 (83%) think there needs to be more discussion in schools with boys about the impact of sexism and misogyny, according to the research.

The findings have been released as Girlguiding Scotland’s national youth voice programme launches a manifesto calling for action to make Scotland a safer place for girls and young women.

It is calling on the next Scottish government to commit to a number of measures, including building a Scotland free from gender-based violence, and introducing a misogyny Bill to ensure girls and women have legal protections from misogyny.

Holly, 17, from Dunbartonshire, one of the authors of the Scotland: For girls, By girls manifesto, said: “Working on the manifesto was empowering. It gave me the chance to speak up about the issues that matter most to girls across Scotland – from feeling safe at school and online, to being heard when we access healthcare.

“We weren’t just sharing ideas, we were building something that reflects our lived experiences and hopes for a Scotland where every girl feels supported.”

The 21 authors of the manifesto are all young members aged 14-22.

The survey also found 54% of girls in Scotland do not feel safe on public transport, while 15% do not feel safe in school.

The figures came from the Girlguiding Girls’ Attitudes Survey 2025, with the data weighted for Scotland.

A total of 2,640 girls and young women aged between seven and 21 around the UK took part, including 303 from Scotland.

The manifesto also calls on the next Scottish government to work with local authorities to ensure public transport is safe, reliable and frequent to help keep girls safe.

It also urges ministers to work with councils to implement appropriate consequences for the perpetrators of misogynistic behaviour in schools.

Elaine Rough, Scottish chief commissioner at Girlguiding Scotland, said: “It is devastating that so many girls in Scotland tell us that they don’t feel safe.

“Something has to change. We need politicians across all parties to listen and act.

“We’re so proud of the girls who have worked hard to come up with these powerful asks and look forward to seeing their Scotland become reality.”

Scottish Government Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to preventing and eradicating all violence against women and girls and addressing the underlying attitudes and systems that perpetuate it.

“No girl or woman should feel unsafe anywhere in Scotland – whether that is at home, on public transport or in school.

“That is why we are implementing our Equally Safe strategy, which sets out a vision to prevent violence from occurring in the first place, build the capability and capacity of support services, and strengthen the justice response to victims and perpetrators.”