A new report published by UNICEF Innocenti has found that economic inequality in wealthy countries is closely linked to poorer physical health, weaker mental well-being, and lower educational achievement among children.
The study examined 44 OECD and high-income countries and revealed that child poverty and income inequality remain high in many of them.
According to the report, children living in the most unequal societies are 1.7 times more likely to be overweight than those in more equal countries. The findings also show a strong connection between inequality and educational performance, with children in highly unequal countries more likely to leave school without basic reading and mathematics skills.
Moreover, inequality affects nearly every aspect of a child's life, including housing quality, access to healthy food, schools, and local services, the report finds. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are also more exposed to pollution, food insecurity, and limited opportunities for physical activity and social participation.
Children interviewed for the report described feelings of exclusion linked to poverty and discrimination. Many also called for stronger government action to reduce inequality and improve support systems for children and families.
UNICEF is therefore urging governments to invest more in child benefits to ensure disadvantaged children have access to vital aspects such as affordable housing, education, healthcare, and mental health services.
In Luxembourg, around 24% of children are considered at risk of poverty, which perfectly shows that economic inequality remains a major challenge even in some of the world’s wealthiest countries.
