The information below summarises some of the key data and issues relating to children and young people in Lincolnshire. More detailed information about specific topics can be found using the buttons to the right.

Key points

• The main causes of morbidity amongst children and young people (CYP) in Lincolnshire are dominated by mental health and behavioural problems rather than physical health issues. Mental health and emotional wellbeing in CYP is one of seven priorities within the Lincolnshire Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy 
• The causes of mortality in younger children (birth related, genetic and infectious disease) differ from those in teenagers (injury, self-harm and cancer) 
• CYP were disproportionately affected by the social, educational and economic impacts of Covid-19. Further details of this can be found in Lincolnshire’s Director of Public Health Annual Report 2021 
• The circumstances and behaviours of parents and the wider family can either have a positive or negative effect on their child across their whole life course. For example; 
  • • Stopping smoking during pregnancy reduces the risk of complications in pregnancy and birth, reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, and means the child is less likely to suffer from asthma 
    • Breastfeeding reduces the child’s risk of infections and diseases, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood 
    • Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences such as neglect, exploitation, and household dysfunction are more likely to smoke, binge drink, and enter the criminal justice system, as well as experience poor health including injury and mental illness. 
• Participation in multiple risky behaviours is associated with a range of negative outcomes such as low educational attainment, being bullied and emotional health problems (Cabinet Office, 2014). 
• Loneliness (whether temporary or ongoing) during someone’s teenage years increases their risk of poor mental health, self-harm, compulsive mobile phone use, unhealthy lifestyle choices and negative social mobility (Source: King’s College London).