The 1990 World Summit for Children dramatically illustrates that the concern for child health extends worldwide. Since the inception of Child Health Day in the first half of this century, we have not only worked to bring basic health care services to greater numbers of poor and underserved children but also focused increased attention on the prevention of childhood diseases and accidents. In recent years, we have also established more specialized services for children with particular health care needs, such as birth defects and chronic illnesses. As we celebrate the advances we have made in promoting child health in the United States, we also do well to reflect on the work that remains to be done. During this observance of Child Health Day, we devote special attention to the unique problems and needs of adolescents.
Adolescence is an important, and sometimes difficult, time of transition.
In addition to experiencing many physical and emotional changes, teenagers must cope with new peer pressures, increasing responsibilities, and the desire for greater independence. Most young Americans weather successfully the ups and downs of adolescence. Tragically, however, the future of far too many of our teens is being threatened by experimentation with drugs and alcohol, promiscuity, violence, and crime. As a Nation, we must also rediscover the values of faithfulness, commitment, and self-sacrifice as they apply to marriage and family life. While the government must not, and, indeed, cannot, assume the primary responsibility of parents in caring for their children, it can join health care providers and other private organizations in helping to promote the well-being of our Nation's teens.