Adolescent Health Linked to Education, Employment Outcomes

Health problems can disrupt teens’ acquisition of skills

Adolescence is a critical period of development, and studies are showing that physical and mental health problems can disrupt teens’ acquisition of skills and transition into the workforce.

The July 2015 issue of Pediatrics included a review of 27 studies examining the education and employment outcomes of adolescents who experienced poor mental and physical health. The review revealed that 61 of 70 specific findings identified poorer education and employment in adolescents with health problems, compared to healthy teens.

The results suggest that maintaining and seeking to improve health among students should be part of schools’ core business, as good health makes a substantial contribution to academic achievement and subsequent successful employment.

Learn more at pediatrics.aapublications.org (search for “adolescent health”).