Children are more likely to die in their first year of life than at any other time during childhood, usually from respiratory distress and birth defects. Canada has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world. Young children tend to be more physically aggressive than older children. Those who do not learn to control violent impulses at a young age are at a high risk of exhibiting violent behaviour later in life. Children aged 4 to 9 are physically healthier than children in any other age group and they have the lowest death and hospitalization rates.
Young teens continue to smoke, despite warnings about the health consequences.
As young teens grow, they become less enthusiastic about going to school. Greater physical abilities and the desire for independence lead teens to take greater health risks. The teen suicide rate has increased dramatically over the past 30 years in Canada. The majority of suicide deaths involve teenage boys. Illegal drug use among teens has risen significantly since 1993.