Children and young people: introduction

Childhood has a profound influence on subsequent health and wellbeing outcomes in the population. The early years is a crucial phase of the life course and presents key opportunities to support children and families. The second decade is also a critical period which represents the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Outcomes throughout life are strongly influenced by children's early life experiences and the social circumstances in which they live. Socio-economic disadvantage during the early years is linked to health inequalities. Children raised in poverty are more likely to develop health problems in the future. The early experiences of ‘looked after children’ – those in the care of their local authority due to various circumstances – may have implications for their health. More broadly, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have a profound impact on health in later life. The Public Health Scotland website outlines the impacts of child poverty and ACEs on health and health inequalities.

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions has also had a huge impact on children and young people’s lives. Results from the COVID-19 Early Years Resilience and Impact Survey (CEYRIS) suggest that the pandemic restricted children and young people’s opportunities for play, education, and social interaction, and created other unprecedented challenges. Understanding and responding to these impacts has become a key focus.

These pages cover health issues relating to infants, children, and young people up to the age of 26. The period between conception and birth also has an important impact on future health (see our Pregnancy, births and maternity section).