Adverse childhood experiences, also known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), are traumatic or stressful events that occur between the ages of 0 and 17. These experiences include physical or emotional violence, abuse, or neglect. Many children witness violence in their home or community, leaving a deep impression of insecurity and fear. Some children also experience tragic events in their families, such as a suicide attempt or death by suicide.
ACEs also include family situations that undermine a child’s sense of security, stability, and belonging. For example, substance abuse in the home, mental health issues, parental separation, or a family member being incarcerated. Children often lack adequate food, experience homelessness, or live in unstable housing. All of these situations can have a profound impact on their mind and body.
How common are these experiences?
ACEs are not rare, but quite common. Studies show that approximately three in four high school students have experienced at least one adverse experience, and one in five have experienced four or more ACEs. Emotional and physical abuse, and living in homes with mental health or substance abuse issues, are among the most common.
What’s alarming is that preventing these experiences could reduce many serious problems. For example, suicide attempts among high school students could be reduced by approximately 89%. Painkiller abuse could be reduced by 84%, and persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness could be reduced by 66%. Among adults, heart disease rates could be reduced by 22% and depression by 78%.
Which children are at greater risk?
While every child may be at risk, social and economic circumstances exacerbate the risk. Conditions such as poverty, living in resource-poor neighborhoods, or social discrimination increase the likelihood of ACEs. Research shows that girls, children from multicultural backgrounds, and youth belonging to the LGBTQ+ community are at a disproportionately higher risk.
ACEs also have a significant economic burden. The health problems they cause cost the United States trillions of dollars each year, including direct medical expenses and lost years of healthy life.
Impact on Health and Future
The impact of ACEs is not limited to childhood. These experiences impact education, employment, and relationships later in life. These children are at increased risk of injuries, sexually transmitted infections, teenage pregnancy, and pregnancy complications. In the long term, they may also increase the risk of serious illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and suicide.
Chronic stress, known as “toxic stress,” impacts a child’s brain development, immune system, and decision-making. This can make it difficult to concentrate, learn, and form healthy relationships. Sometimes these effects even reach the next generation.
Prevention is the best solution
The good news is that ACEs can be prevented. Creating a safe, stable, and loving environment is essential. Families, schools, communities, and governments all play a vital role. Providing children with love, support, and a safe environment can change the course of their lives.
When we invest in children and their families, we secure the future of not just one generation but the entire society. Every child has the right to grow up in an environment free from fear and violence. Only collective efforts to prevent ACEs can lay the foundation for a healthy and strong society.
