Adolescents Self-reported Experiences With Adverse Childhood Experiences Far Outweigh Parent Estimates

A study of 2021 self-report data from over 33,000 high school students across 16 states found that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are considerably higher than previous studies based on parent reports of ACEs experienced by their children. The study, titled “Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Adolescents” will be included in the November 2024 edition of Pediatrics. Data showed that 80.5% of adolescents self-reported at least one adverse childhood experience while a study in 2022 asking parents and guardians put the number at 39.7%, less than half. Emotional abuse was by far the most common adverse childhood experience reported by adolescents at 65.8%, with household poor mental health at 36.1% and physical abuse at 32.5% falling in second and third. Data also showed that female respondents were more likely to experience all examined adverse childhood experiences when compared to their male counterparts. Other groups who were disproportionally impacted, such as non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN0 adolescents or members of the LGBTQ+ community, had a higher prevalence of adverse childhood experiences exposure but to varying degrees. For example, AI/NA respondents had a high prevalence of experiencing household substance use but low prevalence of physical abuse. By comparison, non-Hispanic Asian adolescents had a relatively low prevalence of incarcerated parents or guardians but one of the highest prevalence rates of physical abuse. Study authors concluded that state level collection of adverse childhood experiences data straight from adolescents is the best way to get actionable, accurate data that can be used to help prevent adverse childhood experiences and mitigate harm. 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.