Child and Adolescent Health Topic Guide

Many health habits that affect well-being later in life begin during childhood and adolescence (teenage years). Childhood is a key time for growth and development, and early experiences can have lifelong effects. Regular checkups and developmental screenings help find health problems early, when treatment works best. Healthy habits like good nutrition, regular physical activity, and enough sleep can prevent illness and injury. Safe, stable, and supportive relationships at home, in schools, and in communities are essential for children’s health and well-being and can improve outcomes over time.

Teens face higher risks for preventable problems, such as substance use and sexually transmitted infections. They also go through physical, emotional, and mental changes that affect their health. Encouraging healthy behaviors—like getting preventive care, avoiding excessive screen time, having regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep—can help teens stay safe and healthy.

American Indian/Alaska Native

In 2024, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children under age 18 were 14% less likely to have used prescription medication in the past year than U.S. children overall. In 2023, AI/AN high school students were 54% more likely than students nationwide to get at least eight hours of sleep. From 2022 to 2023, AI/AN children ages 2 to 5 were 12% less likely to have no more than an hour of daily screen time than all U.S. children in that age group.

For additional data on American Indian/Alaska Native child and adolescent health, please visit our Population Profiles.

Asian American

In 2024, Asian American children under age 18 were 25% less likely to have used prescription medication in the past year than U.S. children overall. In 2023, Asian American high school students were 18% less likely than students nationwide to get at least eight hours of sleep.

From 2022 to 2023, Asian American children ages 2 to 5 were 12% more likely to have no more than an hour of daily screen time than all U.S. children in that age group.

For additional data on Asian American child and adolescent health, please visit our Population Profiles.

Black/African American

In 2024, Black/African American children under age 18 were 13% less likely to have used prescription medication in the past year than U.S. children overall. In 2023, Black/African American high school students were 16% less likely than students nationwide to get at least eight hours of sleep. From 2022 to 2023, Black/African American children ages 2 to 5 were 34% less likely to have no more than an hour of daily screen time than all U.S. children in that age group.

For additional data on Black/African American child and adolescent health, please visit our Population Profiles.

Hispanic/Latino

In 2024, Hispanic/Latino children under age 18 were 12% less likely to have used prescription medication in the past year than U.S. children overall. In 2023, Hispanic/Latino high school students were 2% more likely than students nationwide to get at least eight hours of sleep. From 2022 to 2023, Hispanic/Latino children ages 2 to 5 were 11% less likely to have no more than an hour of daily screen time than all U.S. children in that age group.

For additional data on Hispanic/Latino child and adolescent health, please visit our Population Profiles.

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

In 2024, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) children under age 18 were 34% less likely to have used prescription medication in the past year than U.S. children overall. In 2023, NHPI high school students were 13% more likely than students nationwide to get at least eight hours of sleep. From 2022 to 2023, NHPI children ages 2 to 5 were 46% less likely to have no more than an hour of daily screen time than all U.S. children in that age group.

For additional data on Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander child and adolescent health, please visit our Population Profiles.