UNICEF's Report Card 19, titled "Child Wellbeing in an Unpredictable World," reveals significant declines in children's academic performance, mental health, and physical wellbeing across 43 OECD and EU countries between 2018 and 2022.

The report attributes these declines to the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.

Key Points:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to prolonged school closures, resulting in an average learning loss of seven months to one year among children. Approximately 8 million 15-year-olds are now assessed as not functionally literate or numerate.
• Life satisfaction among children declined in 14 out of 32 countries surveyed, with only Japan reporting an improvement. The pandemic exacerbated existing mental health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations.
• The prevalence of overweight children increased in 14 out of 43 countries, reflecting a long-standing issue that worsened during the pandemic due to compromised access to nutritious food and physical activity.
• Disadvantaged children experienced the most severe consequences, with the pandemic widening existing inequalities in education and health.
• UNICEF recommends comprehensive policy actions, including focusing on skill development, improving mental health services, ensuring access to nutritious food, and engaging children in discussions about their experiences to develop effective solutions.