Alabama girls are facing mounting challenges that range from mental health struggles and academic barriers to pressures tied to body image and social media use, according to a new report released by the state’s two Girl Scout councils.

"The Alabama Girl Report," a joint effort of Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama and Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama, examined the realities facing girls across 66 counties. The findings highlight significant concerns but also outline solutions the organization says are already making a difference.

The report said mental health concerns have grown sharply in recent years. The number of high school girls showing signs of depression has increased 50% compared with a decade ago. Nearly half of girls in grades 9-12 reported feeling sad or hopeless in 2021, and about one-third (32%) said they seriously considered attempting suicide. That rate is three times higher than among boys, at 10.5%.

Cyberbullying and social media use are also weighing heavily. According to the report, 45% of girls in Alabama experienced some form of bullying in the last year, nearly double the rate reported in 2016. In addition, 72% spend at least three hours a day on screens, which the report said can contribute to poor sleep, lower academic outcomes and struggles with attention regulation.

Academic challenges persist, particularly in math. The Alabama State Department of Education reported that only 28% of girls achieved math proficiency in 2023, down 20% over five years. While older research once tied performance gaps to developmental differences, the report cited newer studies suggesting that social pressures play a larger role in underperformance.

The report also raised concerns about girls’ physical well-being. It found that 81% of high school girls are not getting enough sleep, 78% are not meeting daily activity recommendations, and many hold distorted perceptions of their bodies. Thirty-eight percent of girls described themselves as overweight, though only 31% met medical classifications for overweight or obesity.

“'The Alabama Girl Report' reflects the combined efforts of Girl Scout councils across Alabama to elevate girls’ voices and ensure their needs are heard,” CEO of Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Karlyn Edmond said in the news release regarding the report. “Despite troubling statistics, we believe in the power of Alabama girls to change the world — and in the power of Girl Scouts
to help them do it. Girls deserve better, and Girl Scouts offers every girl a path to a brighter, more empowered future.”

The report pointed to Girl Scouting as a proven path to resilience, leadership and self-confidence. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute, girls involved in the program are more likely than non-members to earn excellent grades and nearly twice as likely to pursue STEM careers in college.

The report said 77% of girls believe their troop leader creates a safe space that supports positive mental health. Girl Scouts also provides digital citizenship training, outdoor activities and new initiatives, such as the Body Appreciation Program, which encourages girls to value their bodies for what they can do rather than how they look.

National research cited in the report found that 36% of girls ages 5-13 hear negative body image messages from women in their lives. While 96% said they like how they look, 37% wished they could change something about their appearance. That figure rose to 50% for girls ages 11-13.

In contrast, Girl Scout research showed that participation in healthy activities remains consistent for members as they grow older, compared to non-members whose involvement declines. Eighty-two percent of Girl Scouts take part in healthy activities, compared with 69% of their peers outside the program.

"The Alabama Girl Report" calls for more investment in girls through expanded mental health resources, leadership opportunities and STEM programs.

To volunteer, donate or join, call (800) 239-6636 or visit www.girlscoutssa.org.