Did You Know? 45 Percent of U.S. Children Have Had At Least One Adverse Childhood Experience

A new report by Vanessa Sacks and David Murphey finds that 45 percent of children in the United States have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Economic hardships and parental divorce/separation are the most common, both nationally and in almost every state. The prevalence of other adverse childhood experiences (including parental incarceration, parental death, and other experiences) varies by state and by race and ethnicity. Black and Hispanic children are more likely than white children to have had at least one adverse childhood experience.

Adversities experienced in childhood pose a critical public health issue because they can lead to toxic levels of stress and long-term health problems, including alcoholism, obesity, and drug abuse. The trauma associated with these experiences can have lasting negative effects, especially if a child is exposed to multiple adverse experiences and does not have the benefit of protective factors such as a relationship with a caring adult.

Vanessa Sacks, Research Scientist, works in the Youth Development research area. Her previous work on the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences was featured in multiple publications including the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Joel Riley radio show.

David Murphey, Research Fellow, has expertise in selecting, developing, monitoring, and analyzing indicators of child and youth well-being.