We are in a pivotal moment—an Era of the Child—where the health and wellbeing of children must be at the forefront of national priorities. This vision is grounded in supporting the three essential pillars, parents, pediatricians, and teachers, who collectively shape the environments where children grow, learn, and thrive.
The Era of the Child recognizes that investing in children means investing in the people who care for them.
A Public Health Imperative
Children’s wellbeing cannot be separated from the wellbeing of the adults who care for them. Parents today face mounting stress, financial instability, and lack of social support, all of which have profound implications for children’s development. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has identified parental stress and social disconnection as public health crises, highlighting the urgent need for stronger systems of support. When parents struggle, children suffer, emotionally, physically, and academically.
At the same time, pediatricians are witnessing a dramatic rise in mental health challenges in their own profession and among children, from anxiety and depression to the long-term effects of trauma and stress. The pandemic exposed and exacerbated these crises, leading the American Academy of Pediatrics to declare a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. Pediatricians must be empowered with resources, policy support, and integrated mental health services to address this crisis at its roots.
Schools, where children spend most of their waking hours, are another critical front in this effort. Teachers are not only educators but also first responders to students’ emotional and social needs. Yet they, too, are overburdened, underpaid, and expected to manage increasing levels of behavioral and mental health challenges without adequate support. Addressing this requires systemic investments in school-based mental health resources, professional development, and policies that recognize the role of educators in shaping the mental and emotional health of their students. The well-being of children, parents, pediatricians, and teachers are deeply interconnected, and addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive, collective effort.
The ERA of the CHILD: Five Priorities for Children’s Wellbeing
To build a future where every child thrives, we must prioritize policies and initiatives that support Climate & Play, Health, Inclusive Education, Loneliness & Connection, and Development.
Climate, Play & Green Spaces
Access to safe outdoor spaces is essential for children’s physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive development. Studies show that time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression in children, while play fosters creativity, social skills, and resilience. Yet, many children, especially those in under-resourced communities, lack access to parks, clean air, and safe outdoor environments.
Health & Mental Health
Children’s physical and mental health are inextricably linked. We must embed mental health services into pediatric care, expand school-based mental health programs, and ensure equitable healthcare access for all children. The national emergency in pediatric mental health demands bold investments in prevention, early intervention, and trauma-informed care.
Inclusive & Equitable Education
Every child deserves a high-quality, equitable education that supports their academic, social, and emotional growth. This means reducing disparities in school funding, increasing mental health supports for teachers and students, and ensuring that schools are safe, nurturing environments.
Loneliness & Connection
Children, parents, and educators alike are struggling with increasing social isolation. Schools, communities, and healthcare systems must work together to foster connections, create supportive peer networks, and rebuild social infrastructure that strengthens families and communities.
Development & Opportunity
From early childhood through adolescence, children need consistent support to develop socially, emotionally, and academically. Investments in universal pre-K, child tax credits, after-school programs, and mentorship initiatives can help ensure that every child, regardless of background, can thrive.