Gun-Related Violence Remains the Top Concern
Gun-related violence in neighborhoods continues to be a major concern for Chicago adults, with 79% of respondents ranking it as a top concern. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that gun-related death rates have nearly doubled since 2011. The impact of community safety on child development cannot be overstated, as the presence of gun violence in neighborhoods can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and decreased overall well-being for children. For example, a child living in a neighborhood with high levels of gun violence is more likely to experience trauma, have difficulty sleeping, and exhibit aggressive behavior. In fact, a study found that children exposed to gun violence are more likely to develop mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, later in life.
Poverty Affects Children’s Health
Poverty is another significant concern for Chicago adults, with 70% of respondents identifying it as a major issue. The Illinois Early Childhood Asset Map reveals that 42,067 children under 5 years old live below the poverty line in Chicago. This highlights the need for economic stability and support programs to help families in poverty.
Statistics and Facts
- 42,067 children under 5 years old live below the poverty line in Chicago.
- Gun-related death rates have nearly doubled since 2011.
- 70% of adults identified poverty as a significant issue affecting children’s health.
The Importance of Adult Supervision
A lack of adult supervision is also a major concern for Chicago adults, with 68% of respondents worrying that children are spending too much time without guidance from a responsible adult. This can lead to increased risks related to injury, academic struggles, and exposure to negative influences.
Why Adult Supervision Matters
- Children without adult supervision are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as driving, substance use, and delinquency.
- They are also more likely to be involved in accidents, such as injuries from sports or other activities.
- Children without adult supervision may struggle with homework, assignments, and other academic tasks.
- They may also have difficulty staying on top of their schoolwork, leading to poor grades and decreased academic achievement.
- Children without adult supervision may be more likely to engage in negative behaviors, such as bullying, fighting, and other forms of aggressive behavior.
- They may also be exposed to negative influences, such as violence, substance use, and other forms of deviant behavior.
Children and Adolescent Social Media Use
The 2025 report also reveals a significant concern around children and adolescent social media use, climbing from #8 to #4 on the list; 67% of respondents consider this a big problem. According to a Gallup Poll and Pew Research, U.S. teens spend an average of 4.8 hours per day on social media platforms and half say they are online “almost constantly,” increasing the possibility of negative impacts on their mental health.
The Need for Support and Interventions
The full list of top 10 child health concerns ranked by Chicago adults includes:
| Rank | Concern |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gun-related violence in neighborhoods |
| 2 | Poverty and lack of economic stability |
| 3 | Lack of adult supervision |
| 4 | Children and adolescent social media use |
| 5 | Substance abuse and addiction |
| 6 | Mental health and anxiety |
| 7 | Violence and aggression |
| 8 | Environmental health and safety |
| 9 | Food insecurity and nutrition |
| 10 | Cyberbullying and online harassment |
The report provides valuable insight into the evolving needs of Chicago youth and can help guide policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations in developing targeted interventions. “We are deeply concerned about the environment in which children are growing up,” said Marie Heffernan, PhD, Director of Voices of Child Health in Communities at Lurie Children’s and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “This year’s report underscores the need for continued investments in violence prevention, economic stability, and supervision solutions to support children’s safety and well-being.”
The report aligns with Chicago Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) priorities, said Commissioner Olusimbo Ige. “The Department is acutely aware of the outsized extent to which concentrated poverty – as well as other challenges like gun-related violence, depression, and drug use – can severely limit opportunities for children. CDPH remains committed to using public health resources to address these issues and we call on all Chicagoans to join us in this effort.”
Research at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is conducted through Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine, and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children’s is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Lurie Children’s is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
