Unicef: Italy 19th out of 38 countries for child welfare

In the new UNICEF report on child well-being in rich countries, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway have the best results, while Italy is in 19th place. "Italy ranks 19th out of 38 countries as regards the general results on child well-being, only 34th out of 41 countries as regards the policies and conditions that generate well-being", commented the president of Unicef ​​Italy Francesco Samengo. The report shows that in most rich countries, fewer than 4 out of 5 children feel satisfied with their life. Suicide is a leading cause of death among children aged 15-19. In addition, in the countries surveyed, about 1 in 3 children in all countries surveyed are either obese or overweight, and in more than a quarter of rich countries, child mortality is still above 1 in 1,000. On average, 40% of children in all OECD and EU countries - again according to the report - do not possess basic reading and math skills by the age of 15. Before the outbreak of the Covid19 health emergency, the relative poverty of children in the 41 countries was on average 20%. "As regards mental health - explained Samengo - our country is 9th. Children with high satisfaction with life at 15 in our country are 76%, compared to an average (in other countries ) of 75.7%, and the suicide rate is 2.5 per 100,000, compared to an average of 6.5 per 100,000. Concerning physical health, children's overweight and obesity rates are of concern: l 'Italy is 31st, with 36.9% of people between 5 and 19 years old who are overweight or obese ".