Chicagoans identify gun violence as top problem facing youth

Chicagoans identify gun violence as top problem facing youth
Photo credit Getty Images

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A survey by Lurie Children’s Hospital and the Chicago Department of Public Health asked adults in every Chicago neighborhood to list the top social problems facing youth.

An overwhelming 85% said gun violence was their number one concern for the third year in a row.

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Last year more than 4,000 people were victims of gun violence in Chicago and the number of shootings in 2021 has already outpaced that number.

Their second most common concern is racial disparities in pediatric health followed by racial discrimination.

Respondents said the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected children and adults of color.

“Chicagoans have shown us that they have a clear understanding of some of the biggest challenges facing youth in our city,” CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady said in a statement. “Many of the issues identified are social determinants of health that are closely tied to health and well-being. We are working tirelessly to address issues like racial disparities in health and poverty to ensure a healthy future for all of Chicago’s youth.”

New to the list this year, a lack of job opportunities for teens.

The top-ranked youth social concerns identified by adults in the study were:

1)         Gun Violence - 85%
2)         Racial Health Disparities – 74%
3)         Racism and Discrimination – 73%
4)         Poverty – 69%
5)         Bullying and Cyberbullying – 67%
6)         Lack of Parent Support and Involvement – 64%
7)         Inadequate Job Opportunities for Parents – 62%
8)         Inadequate Job Opportunities for Teens – 62%
9)         Social Media – 57%
10)       Violence in Schools – 57%

The most recent Healthy Chicago Survey Jr. was conducted from June-December 2020. Respondents included 4,517 adults in Chicago from all 77 neighborhoods, including parents and non-parents. For more information, visit chicagohealthatlas.org.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images