TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A new report by the Girl Scouts of New Jersey shows various areas of improvement for girls coming of age in the Garden State, along with alarming statistics that reflect the need for a call to action.
The sobering report, called “Her Future in Focus,” found that 1 in 3 girls have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, 1 in 6 reported sexual violence, and 50% of high school girls showed signs of depression.
Jenn Hollern, executive consultant and lead researcher of the study, said it is time to normalize the need for counseling for better mental health and well-being.
“In New Jersey, 53% of high school girls report feeling sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in a row, progressing to 1 in 4 high school girls seriously contemplating committing suicide, and eventually, 11% — one in 10 high school girls — actually attempts death by suicide,” she said.
Compared to boys, more middle school girls are using controlled substances, more high school girls exhibit signs of depression, and more girls are survivors of sexual violence, the survey found.
Overall, however, most of the girls in the study, especially Girl Scouts, said they are challenge-seekers and excel with a positive ecosystem of support.
Her Future in Focus
The report also found that girls have narrowed the proficiency gap in science and closed the achievement gap in math compared to their male counterparts. Yet for some reason, the majority of them are not choosing STEM fields as majors in college.
“Arguably, the most qualified, the most motivated, and, without a doubt, the largest segment of the college population is not enrolling in advanced science and engineering fields in New Jersey,” said Hollern. “And at the same time, we are facing a national shortage of 1.4 million STEM workers in these fields within the next five years.”
Natasha Hemings, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, said there is work to be done to help girls continue to thrive.
“I hope that the people who are here today, as well as those who will hear the pronouncements after today, will take the soberingness of this study in this report … and act,” she said. “This work is going to be pivotal and important for our advancement, for us to advocate for the things that are important for girls and women.”