Helping Girls and Youth Unplug and Reconnect

New research highlights screen time concerns—and how Girl Scouts offers a real-world solution

As winter break approaches, many families are thinking about how to keep kids engaged, happy, and connected. A new national survey from Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) shows that more than half of girls ages 5 to 13 are going online simply out of boredom. Even more telling: 52% say they struggle to get a parent or caregiver’s attention because the adult is also on a screen.

At Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland, we know that screen time isn’t the whole story. What young people are really craving is connection—space to explore who they are, time with trusted adults, and activities that spark curiosity and confidence.

The national survey, which included more than 1,000 girls ages 5 to 13, found that:

56% of girls go online to fight boredom
52% say their parents are too distracted by their own phones to give them attention
51% of girls ages 11–13 feel pressured to be online to keep up with friends

These findings echo local trends identified in the State of the Wisconsin Girl Report, released earlier this year by the Badgerland Council. That report found that girls in Wisconsin are eager for more real-world connection, safe spaces to explore their identity, and support from trusted adults—yet many feel isolated and overwhelmed by digital pressures.

“Screens aren’t all bad—youth use them to create, learn, and connect,” said Nick Harnish, senior education director of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland. “But constant connection comes with pressure, especially for younger kids. Our job is to help them find balance, build confidence, and spend time doing what matters. Being in Girl Scouts offers a built-in solution. Through real-life connection, outdoor adventure, and skill-building experiences, youth develop confidence, friendships, and resilience away from screens.”

Wisconsin Girls and Youth Need Us More Than Ever

The 2025 State of the Wisconsin Girl Report, powered and funded by Wisconsin Girl Scout Councils, including Badgerland Girl Scouts, shows that girls across our state are facing serious challenges to their mental health, social belonging, and physical well-being. Among the findings:

1 in 4 girls says she doesn’t have an adult to talk to when she needs help
50% report symptoms of depression
Only 25% plan to major in advanced science or engineering
1 in 5 has experienced sexual violence

And yet, there is hope—because when joining Girl Scouts, they feel something different:

97% of Wisconsin Girl Scouts say they feel safe in Girl Scouts
92% say Girl Scouts is where they belong
79% say Girl Scouts makes them happier people

Girl Scouts isn’t just a program. It’s a proven support system that helps youth build confidence, try new things, and thrive—online and offline.

3 Ways Families Can Reconnect This Winter Break

Start the Be Internet Awesome Family Challenge

Developed with support from Google, this free toolkit helps families set healthy tech boundaries together in fun, supportive ways.
Try it here »

Make space for screen-free activities

Cooking, crafting, reading, hiking—simple, hands-on moments help youth reset, recharge, and build confidence.

Join Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts gives youth a safe, welcoming space to discover what they’re capable of while making new friends, exploring the outdoors, and building lifelong skills.

Read the full State of the Wisconsin Girl Report
www.wisconsingirlreport.org

Learn more about joining or volunteering
www.gsbadgerland.org