In three new videos, Alaska teens respond to our state's 47th-place ranking for overall child well-being. While they aren't old enough to vote, they hope the adults in their lives are listening and considering their perspectives about a future that will soon be in their hands to live and lead in Alaska.
The sobering statistic comes from the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book. KIDS COUNT is a national and state-by-state effort sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to track the well-being of children, youth and families. The data considers 16 key indicators in four areas: family and community, health, education and economic well-being.
We encourage you to hear what these Alaskan teens have to say about the data and what they see in their own communities.
Education
*Health
Poverty and Housing
*This video mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. Help is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.
Watch the videos with the youth in your life and ask them their opinions on this recent report. While we can analyze the numbers, we don't always ask or know what that impact feels like for our younger residents. So, let's start doing exactly that!
Ask which KIDS COUNT fact is hitting them, their friend group or school community the hardest. Most importantly, ask for their thoughts on solutions.
A few questions to get the conversation going:
Which KIDS COUNT fact has the biggest impact on you, or the people you care about most?
What do you think would help?
How can adults help in a way that makes a real difference?
We'd love to hear about these conversations. Share your story with us. You can also share what you hear with local and state leaders.
Finally, think about Alaska's kids when you cast your own vote on November 3. They're counting on us to change these statistics!