Infographics
The State of Children's Health in the United States
Published on: April 17, 2023.
20 million youth
are estimated to currently have a mental health disorder
About this Data Insights
America’s children are facing multiple challenges to their mental and physical health. Increasing rates of depression, obesity, gun violence, sexual and emotional abuse are among the many factors harming children. Black, Hispanic, Native, American Indian, and LGBTQ+ children also experience disparities in many areas, including access to treatment.
This infographic explores these threats to child health as well as expert recommendations for improving child health and well-being.
Total children in the United States: Child Stat: Forum on Child and Family Statistics, Child population: Number of children ages 0–17 in the United States by age, July 2021
Leading causes of death: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 2018-2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2021. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 2018-2021, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program.
Firearms are the single biggest cause of death: Kaiser Family Foundation, Firearms are the Leading Cause of Death for Children in the United States But Rank No Higher Than Fifth in Other Industrialized Nations, July 2022
1 in 25 children wont make it to their 40th birthday: Financial Times, Why are Americans dying so young?, March 2023
What affects the health and well-being of America's youth?
Health and well-being factors: World Health Organization (WHO),Health for the World’s Adolescents: A second chance in the second decade, 2014
- Adapted version from HHS in 2021
Prevalence of mental disorders & behavioral problems
20 million youth with mental health disorders: American Psychological Association (APA), Children’s mental health - Why is children’s mental health important?, May 2022
Prevalence of mental health disorders: Lebrun-Harris LA, Ghandour RM, Kogan MD, Warren MD. Five-Year Trends in US Children’s Health and Well-being, 2016-2020. JAMA Pediatr. 2022;176(7):e220056.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Behavioral issues
Percent increase of mental health disorders: Lebrun-Harris LA, Ghandour RM, Kogan MD, Warren MD. Five-Year Trends in US Children’s Health and Well-being, 2016-2020. JAMA Pediatr. 2022;176(7):e220056.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Behavioral issues
Suicidal ideology among high school aged children in the US
High school students who considered suicide: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011-2021
- Students by race/ethnicity
- LGBTQ students
- Female students
Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness: CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011-2021
Trauma and hardship endured by children during COVID-19 pandemic
Lost a parent or primary caregiver: APA, Thousands of kids lost loved ones to the pandemic. Psychologists are teaching them how to grieve, and then thrive, October 2022
Trauma experienced by high school students: Krause KH, Verlenden JV, Szucs LE, et al. Disruptions to School and Home Life Among High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, United States, January–June 2021. MMWR Suppl 2022;71(Suppl-3):28–34.
NOTE: Rounded numbers
- Parent lost their job
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
What does it mean to grow up with gun violence: Rajan S, Branas CC, Myers D, Agrawal N. Youth exposure to violence involving a gun: evidence for adverse childhood experience classification. J Behav Med. 2019
Prevalence of physical health issues and vaccine uptake
Obesity in children: CDC, Overweight & Obesity: Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States, May 2022
Asthma prevalence: CDC, Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Children — 2019-2021. Ever having asthma between in 2021 grouped by Hispanic Latino origin and race
- Not Hispanic or Latino, White, single race
- Not Hispanic or Latino, Black, single race
- Hispanic or Latino
Vaccination rates among children: Seither R, Calhoun K, Yusuf OB, et al. Vaccination Coverage with Selected Vaccines and Exemption Rates Among Children in Kindergarten — United States, 2021–22 School Year. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:26–32
Children’s health care access & utilization
Children’s health care access & utilization: CDC, Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Children — 2019-2021. Well child check-up in 2021 grouped by Hispanic Latino origin and race
- NOTE: Children all under age of 18
Uninsured children: CDC, Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Children — 2019-2021. Uninsured at the time of interview in 2021 grouped by Hispanic Latino origin and race
- NOTE: Children all under age of 18
- NOTE: Children are considered uninsured if they did not have private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a state-sponsored health plan, other government programs, or military health plan (includes TRICARE, VA, and CHAMP-VA) at the time of interview.
- Groups:
- Not Hispanic or Latino, White, single race
- Not Hispanic or Latino, Black, single race
- Hispanic or Latin
Promoting positive health and well-being for our children
Mental health and wellbeing: APA, Kids’ mental health is in crisis. Here’s what psychologists are doing to help, January 2023
Where to find a psychologist for children: APA, Children’s mental health - Why is children’s mental health important?, May 2022
Improve access to health coverage: First Focus, Policy Brief: 10 Ways to Improve the Health Coverage of America’s Children, November 2021
Physical health and vaccination uptake
Physical exercise: CDC, Healthy Schools - Physical Activity Facts, July 2022
Nutrition at school: CDC, Healthy Schools - Childhood Nutrition Facts, August 2022
Increase vaccinations and school programs: CDC, Vaccines and Immunizations - 12 COVID-19 Vaccination Strategies for Your Community, November 2022
Improve messaging
located vaccination programs
Nutrition education: CDC, Healthy Schools - School Nutrition, March 2023
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