By comparing data from 2018 to 2022, the report shows that the pandemic has exacerbated existing negative trends: poor academic performance among children, an increase in obesity and overweight rates, and a general decline in life satisfaction.

This study paints a worrying picture of the global well-being of children, "said Nilande, Director of the UNICEF Innocenti Research Center

The United Nations Children's Fund warns that the achievements accumulated by wealthy countries in children's well-being over the years are becoming "increasingly fragile". It urges governments of all countries to pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups and ensure more equitable and sustainable education and development outcomes.

8 million teenagers struggle to complete basic reading and calculations
The report emphasizes that many children in high-income countries are facing a "significant decline in learning skills" after the pandemic, with reading and math abilities being particularly affected. Due to large-scale school closures, students are forced to switch to remote learning, resulting in a widespread academic lag, estimated to be 7 to 12 months behind the regular level.

In 43 countries, approximately 8 million 15-year-old adolescents are assessed as lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills - in other words, they have difficulty understanding and applying basic textual and numerical information in daily life. This result highlights the long-term issue of educational inequality, particularly its adverse effects on children from impoverished families.

In the comprehensive evaluation of the environment for children's development, the Netherlands, Denmark, and France rank high and are considered the most suitable countries for children's growth; Mexico, Türkiye and Chile ranked lower in terms of mental health, physical health and skill indicators.

Deterioration of mental health and decrease in adolescent happiness
The report also revealed serious hidden concerns about children's mental health. Among the 32 countries with available data, 14 countries have seen a significant decrease in children's satisfaction with life during the pandemic, while the sustained downward trend in adolescent suicide rates has stagnated.

In addition, the proportion of overweight individuals aged 5 to 19 continues to rise, and children with poorer socioeconomic conditions face greater challenges in terms of psychological and physical health.

The achievements of children's well-being are increasingly fragile and require comprehensive response
Nilande called on countries to adopt a "coordinated and comprehensive" response, starting from every stage of children's growth and systematically addressing the challenges they face.

He emphasized, "Governments of all countries must prioritize children in their policies and ensure that their needs are fully addressed in areas such as education, health, and social protection

The report also suggests strengthening the participation of children and adolescents, allowing their voices to be reflected in public decision-making, and enhancing their initiative and proactivity.