Children in some of the world’s wealthiest countries are experiencing sharp declines in well being. This includes declines in academic performance, mental health, and physical health. These issues have arisen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report by UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight.
The newly released Report Card 19: Child Wellbeing in an Unpredictable World compares data from 2018 to 2022 across 43 OECD and EU countries. It paints a stark picture of how the pandemic has deepened pre-existing challenges for children.
LEARNING LOSSES AND LITERACY CRISIS
A significant finding is the drop in foundational academic skills. This includes reading and mathematics. The decline is due to widespread school closures and disrupted learning. On average, students are now 7 to 12 months behind where they should be.
“Prior to the pandemic, children were already struggling on multiple fronts,” said Bo Viktor Nylund, UNICEF Innocenti Director. “Now… countries need to prioritise children’s education, health and wellbeing.”
The report estimates that 8 million 15-year-olds lack functional literacy and numeracy. This group makes up roughly half of the age group. These figures represent a 4% increase since 2018. Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, and Mexico have the highest rates of underperformance. In these countries, over two-thirds of 15-year-olds failed to meet basic standards.
MENTAL HEALTH AND LIFE SATISFACTION DECLINE
Children’s life satisfaction has significantly declined in 14 of the 32 countries where mental health data is available. While most countries reported worsening outcomes, Japan was the only country to see a marked improvement in this area.
The report links deteriorating mental health to social isolation, economic stress, and online bullying. All these factors were exacerbated during the pandemic.
RISING OBESITY AND LONG-TERM PHYSICAL HEALTH CONCERNS
In addition to academic and mental health setbacks, the report notes a continued increase in childhood overweight and obesity. This increase is observed in 14 of 43 countries. Poor dietary habits, reduced physical activity during lockdowns, and marketing of unhealthy foods are cited as contributors.
TOP PERFORMERS: NETHERLANDS AND DENMARK LEAD AGAIN
Despite the overall negative trend, the Netherlands and Denmark retained their top spots as the best places to be a child. This is based on combined indicators of mental wellbeing, physical health, and skills development. France followed these countries.
However, even high-ranking countries face growing vulnerabilities in child wellbeing. These challenges arise especially under pressure from global shocks such as climate change. Economic instability also contributes to these issues.
UNICEF’S CALL TO ACTION
The report urges governments and stakeholders to implement comprehensive, long-term strategies focused on:
- Restoring and improving academic skills: Literacy, numeracy, digital, and emotional competencies, with targeted help for disadvantaged children.
- Enhancing mental health services: Prevention, early intervention, and combating violence and bullying both online and offline.
- Tackling childhood obesity: Promoting healthy eating and regulating the marketing of unhealthy food to children.
- Listening to children: Involving young people in policy development and giving them a platform to voice their concerns.
“We need a coherent, holistic, whole-of-childhood approach that addresses their needs at every stage of their lives,” said Nylund.
Key Statistics from Report Card 19
- 8 million 15-year-olds in high-income countries are not functionally literate or numerate.
- Learning delays range from 7 months to 1 year.
- Life satisfaction fell in nearly half of surveyed countries.
- Child obesity increased in one-third of countries with available data.
- Japan was the only nation to see improved mental wellbeing among children.
