With things like advances in technology, development of new drugs and increased access to medical care, it would be logical to think that our country is becoming healthier. Yet unfortunately, the opposite seems to be true. Especially when it comes to children.
Children’s health in America has unfortunately been getting worse, not better. But it’s not impossible, nor too late, to help change this. Read on to learn more about what’s been going on in recent decades, and what you can do about it.
Children’s Health in America is Changing. Here’s How.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that American children’s health has significantly declined in a variety of categories between 2007 to 2023. These categories include:
- Physical health, including obesity and limitations in activity
- Developmental health, including early onset of puberty and menstruation, and developmental delays
- Child mortality rates
- Emotional and mental health, including loneliness and depression
- Sleep health
All of this is despite the U.S continuing to increase how much they spend on healthcare, reaching 4.9 trillion dollars in 2023. That’s just over $14,000 per person. What’s more, food trends continue to be popular, with new products that are claimed to be healthier coming on market shelves every month. Plus, awareness and support for mental health issues amongst adolescents has been on the rise. Yet these efforts have not been enough to counteract the many other unhealthy habits and environments of today’s youth.
The study in JAMA also found that an American child was 15% to 20% more likely to have a chronic condition in 2023 compared to in 2011. In addition, between 2010 and 2023, kids in the U.S. were 80% more likely to die than their peers in other developed nations like Europe. Some of the reasons include things like being born premature, substance abuse and gun violence. Yet other factors of health are also likely at play.
Why Are American Kids Becoming Less Healthy?
The causes behind these alarming statistics from JAMA are vast and complex. Yet in general, some of the factors behind the decline in children’s health over the past many years include:
- Unhealthy diets
- Inadequate physical activity
- Excessive chemical and pollution exposure
- Poor sleep habits
- Family stress
- Limited access to proper healthcare
- Increasing use of social media
As you can see, there are many aspects in life that make up the overall larger picture of good health, or lack thereof.
Children’s Health: What You Can Do to Help
As a parent or caregiver, you already know that there is a lot that is out of your control when it comes to raising kids. So while the following tips cannot cover all the bases, they will focus on what you DO have control over. Spoiler alert: it will likely mean changing things up in your family’s diet and/or lifestyle. But the benefits are worth it in the long run.
Here are some actions steps you can take to help promote healthy children:
Don’t overlook or excuse their diet.
The quality of food on most market shelves is both alarming and disappointing. Yet most parents don’t know any other options. And many aren’t even aware of the harm associated with many of these familiar foods.
One of the best steps to take is to begin (or continue) reading food labels when making decisions about what to buy. Pay particular attention to the amount of added sugar, sodium and saturated fat in the foods your children commonly eat. These are all nutrients that should be limited. Instead, aim to increase the amount of fiber, lean protein and healthy unsaturated fats that your child consumes, as those all promote good health. The new Dietary Guidelines of 2025-2030 is in agreement and is making strict recommendations to help improve Americans diets.
No matter how active or what your child’s current weight is, healthy eating is always important. Eating habits in childhood often get translated into adulthood, so you’re really helping set them up for long-term success when you give special attention to their diet.
Be strict about bedtime.
Like healthy eating, sleep should never be overlooked or sacrificed. Children aged 1 to 2 need 11-14 hours of sleep each day, and those aged 3 to 5 need 10-13 hours. Slightly older kids age 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours and teens need 8 to 10 hours.
While you can’t make your kids sleep, you can provide them with the right opportunities and environment. Aim to stick to a consistent bedtime as often as possible, taking into account how much sleep they need for their age. Also try to follow a predictable and relaxing bedtime routine that can help kids wind down. Lastly, provide a dark and cool room for them to sleep in and consider utilizing sound machines if excess noise in the home is an issue.
Be present and emphasize building attachments and trust.
The relationship between child or adolescent and parent/caregiver evolves as they grow. And some of it is beyond your control. But doing what you can to build a relationship based on love and trust is the best thing you can do for your child. This can help mitigate other family stressors, protect your child’s mental health and more. Do what you can to be involved in your child’s life, fostering a safe and nurturing environment at home.
Limit screentime, especially social media.
You’ve heard this warning before, but it’s worth repeating. While many forms of screentime are not inherently bad, and may even be educational, it can become easy to overdo it. Plus, with the excessive amount of content that is available nowadays, parents need to be even more aware of what their kids are watching and listening to — making sure it is in line with what they are comfortable with.
When it comes to social media, avoid it for your child for as long as possible. There is a reason why the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) exists: to protect vulnerable children. This law sets restrictions for children under the age of 13, prohibiting the gathering of their personal information without parental involvement. Most social media platforms — like Facebook and Instagram — do not allow kids under 13 to have their own account. Yet many kids find loopholes by logging on to someone else’s account and engaging with the content. Bottom line: be aware of what sort of content your kids are consuming, and make sure it’s not crowding out other healthy behaviors in their lives
Help them be active.
Kids are active by nature, but when they are confined to school and after-school programs, it leaves limited time for them to run around and play. Encourage your child to participate in sports programs. You may need to try a variety of different types of classes in order to find what they are most interested in. If sports are not an option, try implementing regular family activities like daily walks, bike rides or even just being active in your backyard or local park on a consistent basis.
Seek support.
First and foremost: make sure you have access to proper healthcare services. This may be via your insurance company and/or community programs in your area. Have your child visit the doctor on at least a yearly basis for regular checkups and vocalize any concerns you may have. If you have any social or emotional concerns, be sure to speak up about those as well. Your child’s doctor and/or school administrators should be able to offer support options. As a parent, you are your child’s #1 advocate, but you don’t need to do it all alone. Be sure to ask for and utilize any support you need.
Do your research on chemicals.
Just because something is allowed to be sold on market shelves doesn’t mean that it’s safe. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an excellent resource to help educate you on the risks associated with many common chemicals. They also provide guides to help you find safer alternatives to common products like skincare, cleaning supplies, and food. Particular ingredients of concern include things like artificial fragrances, phthalates, and flame retardants. So, know what you’re using and aim to find the least toxic version of it as possible.
In Summary
Though children’s health in America is declining as a whole, there is still much you can do as a parent or caregiver to take action to help protect your child. Practices such as healthy eating, physical activity, and proper sleep should never be overlooked. Life can be busy and hectic, but being proactive about your child’s health is always worth the time and effort. Actions taken today can help create a healthier and better quality tomorrow.
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