Canadian childhoods are in crisis according to a new report released today by UNICEF Canada. UNICEF Report Card 16, which measures the state of children and youth under age 18 in wealthy countries, ranks Canada 30th out of 38 nations on the most recently available data from just before the pandemic.

Canada’s rank of 30th in child well-being outcomes is based on indicators of mental health and happiness (31st), physical health and survival (30th), and education achievement and skills development (18th). The Report Card also ranks Canada according to its policies, and finds that in every policy that supports better, more equitable outcomes, Canada falls far short of the best-performing countries.

Canada has been making the most progress in reducing child poverty and reducing the number of young people excluded from education, employment and training, though there are still wide disparities. Canada ranks highest in children’s academic achievement. Canada ranks lowest in child survival (including teen suicide and child mortality), health (including immunization and unhealthy weight) and children’s overall life satisfaction.

Report Card 16’s Key Findings for Canadian children and youth:

The state of Canada’s children and youth:

  • Almost 1 in 3 young people does not have basic reading and math skills by age 15; ranking 13th
  • 26% of young people have difficulty making friends; ranking 23rd
  • Canada’s rate of child mortality is 0.98 child deaths per 1,000 births; ranking 28th
  • Almost 1 in 4 children has low life satisfaction; ranking 28th
  • Almost 1 in 3 children is overweight or obese; ranking 29th
  • Canada has one of the highest rates of adolescent suicide; ranking 35th

Canada’s policies for children and youth:

  • Canada ranks 19th in the number of children in preschool one year before primary education begins
  • 6% of young people age 15-19 are not in work, school or training; ranking 20th
  • 7% of infants are born with a low birthweight; ranking 21st
  • Canada ranks 24th in the adequacy of parental leave
  • Almost 1 in 5 children lives in poverty; ranking 26th
  • 87% of children are immunized against measles, below the 95% threshold for protection; ranking 33rd