Child Poverty Essay

“In 2015 24.3 percent of children in rural nonmetropolitan areas were poor in 2015” (USDA, p. 1) This number has been climbing for several years despite efforts at community levels and federal levels as well. Through the years Americans have obtained information that shows the effects living in poverty has on children, and the evidence indicates more action needs to be taken. Research shows that growing up in poverty can later effect a child’s emotional stability, level of achievement, and overall health and wellness. Emotional stability plays a huge impact on the functionality of an adult. Without proper care of one’s mental health, other factors of life will begin to fail. Therefore, it is extremely important to prevent any causes to
However, the same studies also showed that it is linked to physical health issues as well. “, increased risk of psychopathology and physical illness in adulthood.” (Pilyoung, p.1) The very same effects on the brain that increased the likelihood a child that grew up poor would later develop a mental health disorder, increased the chance that an adult would have physical health issues later on as well. The reactions are theorized to be the result of chronic stress on a child. Living in poverty increases instants where a child would be exposed to violence and other stressful situations, thus creating constant
With family income directly correlating to mental health, success, and general health, action must be taken to decrease the number of children this effect is being had on. Although there are programs in place to help children with obtaining meals, there are not enough addressing the true root of the problem. The true problem being that families are becoming incapable of providing a livable income and stable home life for children due to unemployment and low wages. Efforts to fix this problem must be increased, or we will continue to see the negative effects on Americans who need protection the most,