Poll Reports

Over 60% parents would definitely talk with the doctor if their school-age child were extremely sad for more than a month. Only half would definitely discuss temper tantrums or anxiety, and just over one third would discuss trouble organizing schoolwork.

10% of U.S. adults either have a medical marijuana card or know someone who does. 36% of adults agree that their state should allow medical marijuana for children under 18. 80% of respondents agree that adults should not be allowed to use medical marijuana in the presence of children.

Over half of mothers and one-third of fathers discuss parenting on social media. Parents say social media is most useful for making them feel they are not alone (72%). Three-quarters of parents point to “oversharenting” by another parent.

Half of parents with teens whose schools currently start before 8:30 a.m. would support a school start time of 8:30 or later. 40% of parents believe their teens would get more sleep if school started at 8:30 a.m. or later. 22% of parents say having a start time of 8:30 a.m. or later would not allow enough time for after school activities.

1 in 7 parents whose children did not play middle or high school sports in 2013-14 cited cost as the reason for not participating. Only 30% of lower-income parents report their child participates in middle or high school sports, compared to 51% of higher-income parents.

Two-thirds of parents believe teens should shift to adult-focused care by age 18; only one-third do so. Less than one-half of parents of 18- to 19-year-olds believe their teens know how to make a doctor’s appointment. Parents are least confident about their teens’ self-management related to knowing what their health insurance covers.

Three-quarters of parents think daycare providers should check vaccination records every year. Two-thirds of parents think they should be informed of the number of children at the daycare center who are not up-to date on vaccines. 41% of parents support a policy to exclude undervaccinated kids from daycare until they become up-to-date.

Mothers (46%) are more likely than fathers (33%) to say that nutrition information helps them decide which food or drink to buy “very often” or “always.” Sugars (total and added) topped the list of “very important” nutrients that parents consider. Mothers are more likely than fathers to say total sugar, added sugar, protein, and dietary fiber are “very important.”

Half of parents of middle- and high-school students report some concussion education. Watching a video or live presentation helps parents feel more confident about managing a concussion. Signing a waiver form, without additional concussion education, is rated by parents as not useful.

Adults rate childhood obesity at the top of the list of big health problems for kids in their communities and for kids across the US. Bullying is rated as the #2 health concern for kids across the country. School violence is rated as #5 health concern for kids across the country.