The Health of Children and Young People
Rebecca Roberts, Rajalakshmi Lakshman
Abstract
This chapter starts by considering the key differences that make public health practice focused on children unique to that focused on adults and older people and emphasizes the importance of early intervention as part of a life-course approach. The demography of the health of children is detailed, followed by a description of the major causes of ill health in children and young people, key public health challenges for this age group and their families and a summary of effective public health interventions to improve health and well-being and reduce inequalities. Three case studies are offered: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; childhood obesity; and children’s and adolescents’ mental health. These highlight the complexity of these major public health challenges, how the tools described in Part 1 can be used to understand them and the importance of strategic and system-wide approaches.