UNICEF Report Card Gives Canada a ‘C’ on Child Well-Being, Ranking 19th Among High-Income Countries

UNICEF warns Canada’s child well-being is declining, with rising mental health concerns, bullying, and loneliness placing the country 19th among wealthy nations.

Toronto — Canada, long seen as one of the world’s wealthiest nations, is falling behind when it comes to the well-being of its children and youth, according to UNICEF Report Card 19, released today.

Canada ranks 19th out of 36 high-income countries, a position described by UNICEF Canada as barely a passing grade, with the nation showing stalled progress in key areas such as mental health, life satisfaction, and social belonging.

The findings are echoed in a companion report titled Childhood Interrupted, revealing that Canadian children today are less happy than a decade ago, with one in five children experiencing frequent bullying or loneliness at school, and one in four struggling to make friends.

“Canada is standing at an important crossroads as a nation. We have big choices to make that will define the quality of life for generations of children,” said Sevaun Palvetzian, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada.

Among other alarming statistics:

• Canada ranks 33rd in adolescent suicide rates, despite being a top 10 country for academic skills (ranking 6th).

• Life satisfaction among Canadian children dropped from 83% in 2010 to under 76% in 2022.

• Countries like Portugal and Spain, with less national wealth, outperformed Canada, ranking 4th and 7th respectively.

“Good mental health is the foundation for childhood, yet it continues to be overlooked,” said Matin Moradkhan, UNICEF Canada’s Youth Advocate. “We are calling for fundamental policy change to our education, funding, and healthcare systems, so every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.”

🚨 UNICEF Canada Calls for Urgent Action:

• Strengthen income benefits, parental leave, school food programs, and child care

• Establish a National Commissioner for children’s well-being

• Expand mental health supports, including in the federal Youth Mental Health Fund

• Fully implement Jordan’s Principle for equitable First Nations child services

The report warns of a ‘polycrisis’ impacting today’s young people, including the aftermath of the pandemic, cost of living pressures, and rising online bullying.

For more details, download the full Report Card 19 and Childhood Interrupted summary at unicef.ca.

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