Poll Reports

Half of parents said their young child age 2-5 was afraid of going to the doctor. 1 in 5 said it was hard to concentrate on what the doctor or nurse was saying because their young child was scared or upset. 1 in 25 had postponed a vaccine for their young child due to fear of doctor visits. Parents prepared their young child for the doctor by educating (with books, shows, or explanations) or placating (promising a treat or no shots).

1 in 6 parents say their teen experiences frequent sleep problems, having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep 3 or more nights per week. Among parents of teens with frequent sleep problems, only 40% say they or their teen have talked with a health care provider about how to address sleep problems. Parents believe that over-the-counter sleep medicine is safer for teens than prescription sleep medicine.

1 in 10 parents thought a tattoo for a teen 16-17 years would be okay as a reward or to mark a special occasion/remembrance. About half of parents were very concerned about negative health effects of tattoos, such as scarring, infection, or the transmission of diseases like hepatitis or HIV. Half of parents were very concerned that employers might judge or stereotype their teen unfavorably if they had a tattoo.

Two-thirds of parents report their child has had a headache not related to a fall or head injury. 1 in 6 would withhold pain relief medicine so the doctor could see how bad their child's headache is. Parents vary in whether they would take children to the ER for headache with neck stiffness and fever, possible signs of meningitis.

9 out of 10 parents definitely would report a ride operator suspected of being drunk or on drugs to a person in authority at an amusement park or carnival. 6 out of 10 parents think ride operators at amusement parks and carnivals should have random alcohol and drug tests. 1 in 5 parents had not talked with their child about what to do if they got lost at an amusement park or carnival.

1 in 10 parents reported their child had ever gotten sick from eating spoiled or contaminated food. One-third of parents say their child has gotten sick from food eaten at their own home. Parents cite restaurants as the most common source of food poisoning, but only 25% check health inspection ratings before dining out.

8 in 10 adults agree that state support for pregnant teens is a good investment in the baby’s health. Most adults feel pregnant teens should be required to attend prenatal visits or take parenting classes in order to receive state support. 9 in 10 adults feel that states should do more to require financial support from the baby’s father, but only half support their state providing paternity testing or legal help to get child support.

Two-thirds of parents agree that parents need to give tweens some freedom to make mistakes. 9 in 10 parents feel social media makes it easier for tweens to get in trouble. Mothers are more likely than fathers to monitor tween by reading their social media or tracking their location via cell phone.

Over half of parents did not receive guidance from their child’s doctor or a dentist about when to start dentist visits. Professional guidance was more common among parents with higher income, education, and private dental insurance. 1 in 6 parents who did not receive guidance from health care providers believed children should delay dentist visits until age 4 years or older.

One in 4 parents of teens of driving age say their teen is registered to be an organ donor. Misconceptions about medical care, potential suffering and cost are major parental concerns about organ donation. Only 17% of parents of younger children said they would like to learn more about organ donation.