Such negative outcomes could have consequences for their future success in Canada. The three most common mental disorders of childhood are hyperactivity, conduct disorder and emotional disorders. Only 3.8 percent of immigrant children have severe symptoms of hyperactivity compared to 10.8 percent of Canadian children. Immigrant children also appear to do well at school after the initial period of adaptation. Studies suggest that immigrant children consistently outperform native-born children in school and are more likely to be class valedictorians or salutatorians.
Poverty affects the mental health of all children.
Economically disadvantaged children have higher rates of hyperactivity, emotional disorders and conduct disorders. Research shows that poverty has a stronger impact among native-born children than on immigrant children. Poor Canadian families are more likely than non-poor families to be dysfunctional, to be headed by a single, often depressed parent with poor parenting skills. Statistical analysis indicates that most of the mental health problems of Canadian children stem from these family characteristics associated with poverty rather than resulting directly from material deprivation. By contrast, poor new immigrant families seem to be able to provide an environment more conducive to emotional support and stability.