At the same time, the percentage of sexually active teens using condoms and long-acting hormonal contraceptive methods increased. Nevertheless, the United States continues to have the highest adolescent pregnancy rate among developed countries, with more than 800,000 teenagers becoming pregnant each year. A federal interagency panel produces the report using a number of gauges of child well-being, including economic security, health and education status, and social behaviors. From toddlers to teens, kids showed gains in many areas. This is a true success story.
Child rearing during adolescence is a hardship on mothers, their children and society.
The overall teen birth rate reached a record low of 30 births per 1,000 girls ages 15 to 17. Death rates for children also keep falling. The childhood poverty rate continued a steady decline, from 22 percent in 1993 to 19 percent in 1998. More poor children than ever are enrolling in preschool programs, including kids of unemployed moms and black, non-Hispanic children. In addition, the report shows important changes in the makeup of American families.