If you were asked what are the priorities that the presidential candidates should have when it comes to the health of our children, what would you choose? According to the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health released in June 2012, the top two children’s health issues regardless of political party affiliation are childhood obesity and bullying. 

The survey featured 2,100 adults who selected one important concern from a list of 24 different child health issues. One in six adults chose childhood obesity and one in seven chose bullying. Drug abuse ranked third and child abuse/neglect was fourth. These four topics were considered priorities by more than half of the adults polled. 

“Healthcare reform is a major topic during this election season, but much of that focuses on uninsured adults and costs of healthcare,” explained Matthew M. Davis, MD, director of the National Poll on Children’s Health . “The federal government is currently responsible for many programs that may have an impact on childhood obesity, like school lunches, encouragement of physical activity and subsidies for specific food items.”

In the last three decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that childhood obesity has more than tripled. In 2008, more than one-third of children and adolescents were considered overweight.

Bullying has also increased dramatically. A 2010 report from the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center indicated that 15 to 25 percent of students in the United States are bullied and 15 to 20 percent bully others. Wellness Times contributor Joyce Marter gives parents practical advice if they feel their child is a bully.

“By asking about children’s health and health policy, we hope to bring the public’s voice to the policymakers,” said Davis. “These are common issues we can agree on, no matter your choice of presidential candidate.”