The Quiet Epidemic Affecting America's Children
A recent episode of WBUR’s On Point brought attention to a deeply troubling trend: the health of American children is in significant decline. Drawing from a comprehensive study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers analyzed 170 health indicators and found that across nearly all of them, children in the U.S. are worse off today than they were in 2007.
From rising mortality rates to increased chronic conditions, mental health struggles, and even earlier puberty, the findings paint a stark picture. Dr. Christopher Forrest, lead author of the study, described it as a “quiet epidemic” impacting millions of children—one that demands urgent attention.
Among the voices featured in the episode was Dr. Robert Kahn, Vice President of Health Equity Strategy at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, who emphasized the need for systemic change and community-rooted solutions. His insights reflect the growing recognition that health outcomes are shaped not just by clinical care, but by the environments in which children live, learn, and grow.
Key findings from the study include:
Children in the U.S. are 80% more likely to die than their peers in other high-income countries.
One in three children now lives with a chronic condition.
Rates of anxiety, depression, pain disorders, and loneliness have surged.
Girls are entering puberty earlier, often without the emotional support to navigate it safely.
The causes are complex and interconnected, ranging from limited access to prenatal care, environmental stressors, and screen time, to gun violence and economic inequality. As Dr. Forrest noted, “There’s something happening in the developmental ecosystem of kids… and in some ways we all take responsibility for this because it’s been happening in our backyards.”
This episode is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare leaders, educators, and families. It’s also a reminder that flourishing children require flourishing systems—ones that prioritize equity, prevention, and holistic well-being.