More than half of New Jersey high school girls show signs of depression, and one in four has seriously considered suicide, according to a new statewide report commissioned in part by a Cherry Hill-based organization.

The 2025 New Jersey Girl Report was released by the state's four Girl Scout councils, including Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey, which is headquartered at 40 Brace Road in Cherry Hill. The council serves girls across nine counties, including Camden, Burlington and Gloucester. SJ Magazine reported the findings on Monday, Aug. 31.

The report draws on public data and peer-reviewed research across four areas: physical health, life readiness, emotional wellness and social well-being. The numbers are stark. One in six high school girls has experienced sexual violence. Middle school girls report more substance use than boys in every measured category.

Ginny Hill, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey, told SJ Magazine that girls no longer get a break from social pressure the way previous generations did. Hill said adults need to act on the data, calling on every adult to ask what they are doing to make the girls around them feel seen.

The report also found that girls are more likely than boys to pursue advanced coursework, graduate on time and enroll in college. Yet even when girls need help, many families struggle to find appropriate mental health care, according to the report.

J'Nya, a 16-year-old Girl Scout from Camden County and a member since second grade, described her own experience with depression in the SJ Magazine article.

"I just thought, 'This is how I am as a person,' because I was so used to not dealing with my emotions …" J'Nya said.

The report recommends connecting girls with female role models and mentors outside their families, improving schools' ability to spot distress in high-achieving students and normalizing mental health conversations.

Cherry Hill families looking for support have several local options. Cherry Hill Public Schools partners with Care Solace, a free mental health coordination service available around the clock at 888-515-0595. The Oaks Integrated Care crisis line is reachable at 856-428-4357. The 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline offers free, confidential support for young people at 888-222-2228.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text at 988.