COLUMBUS – Children’s advocacy groups are sounding the alarm about the well-being of kids in Ohio.
The 2022 Kids Count Data Book released today by the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranks Ohio 31st out of the 50 states and highlights some troubling trends in how kids in the state are faring in their lives, including a 45% increase in chronic school absenteeism between 2019 and 2021.
Nationally, more than one in nine children experienced anxiety, depression or both and research manager Kim Eckhart with the Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio says absenteeism and mental health challenges are interconnected.
“If a young person is having symptoms of anxiety and depression, it’s much more difficult for them to participate in academic activities. And other basic needs really have to be met in order for children to succeed. That’s very clear when we see chronic absenteeism so high,” she said.
The report ranks Ohio 28th for education, with an increase in three- and four-year-old children not in preschool, and nearly one-fifth of high schoolers not graduating on time.
However, Ohio showed improvement in all four economic indicators, including a slight drop in the number of kids living in poverty and those whose parents lack secure employment.
BBB, Ohio AG offer web safety advice
Back-to-school means new friends, new places, and possibly new threats. The Better Business Bureau BBB Serving Central Ohio is hosting two free webinars featuring speakers from the Office of the Ohio Attorney General.
The first is Tuesday and will offer information that parents can review with their kids in time for the start of the school year. Click here to register
The second session, on Sept. 12, will focus on understanding how apps and social media platforms are used to target children.