A new report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) reveals that children's health in the UK is either stalling or declining across all 12 key indicators, branding the situation a 'national embarrassment'. The UK is now raising one of the unhealthiest generations of children in Europe, with obesity, poor mental health, low vaccine uptake, and infant mortality among the critical issues.
Key Findings of the State of Child Health Report
Nearly a decade after its first State of Child Health report, the RCPCH's latest analysis shows that children's health in the UK has either declined or plateaued in every area measured. Dr Helen Stewart, RCPCH officer for health improvement, stated: "The UK's record on children's health should be a national embarrassment. Across Western Europe, many other countries are achieving better outcomes for children, yet too many children here are being left behind."
The report highlights stark disparities: only 84% of children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine in England by age five, well below the WHO's 95% target. More than one in three children aged 10–11 are overweight or obese, and one in five children aged 8–16 has a probable mental health disorder. Children in the most deprived areas are four times more likely to die from asthma, and infant mortality in deprived communities is more than double that in affluent areas.
Inequalities and Calls for Action
Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England, commented: "Children all over the country want to grow up healthy, happy, and able to fulfil their potential yet too many children are being held back by circumstances beyond their control. Factors such as where children live and family finances shouldn't determine whether they can have a healthy start in life."
The 12 indicators examined include infant mortality, child mortality, immunisations, early childhood development, oral health, obesity, mental health, emotional health and wellbeing, vaping and smoking, asthma, substance misuse, and injuries. Tooth decay affects 22% of five-year-olds, with progress stalling since 2020, and only 57% of children saw an NHS dentist in the last 12 months.
Government Response and Funding Needs
The British Dental Association is calling for an additional £1.5 billion to properly fund NHS dentistry. Eddie Crouch, BDA chair, said: "This report spells out what we all know that oral disease and deprivation go hand in hand. But this isn't inevitable, and that link can be broken if the government is willing to double down."
A government spokesperson responded: "Following a decade of neglect, too many children - particularly those growing up in the most deprived communities - continue to experience poorer health outcomes than they should. That's why this government is taking decisive action to lift children out of poverty, tackle health inequalities and raise the healthiest generation of children ever." Measures include ending the two-child limit, expanding mental health support in schools, opening family hubs, and introducing tougher rules on smoking, vapes, and junk food ads.
