This systematic review explores the impact of racial discrimination on the health of children and adolescents. Drawing from 121 studies, the review highlights a growing recognition of racial discrimination as a key factor contributing to racial and ethnic health disparities. Most studies were conducted in the United States, primarily involving youth aged 12–18 from African American, Latino/a, and Asian backgrounds. The majority of research used cross-sectional designs and was published within the last seven years.
The review identified 461 associations between reported racial discrimination and various health outcomes. Mental health issues—such as depression and anxiety—were the most frequently examined, with 76% showing statistically significant links to racial discrimination. Significant associations were also found in over half of the studies examining positive mental health (e.g., self-esteem, resilience), behavioral problems, general wellbeing, and pregnancy or birth outcomes.
Despite these findings, the field faces several limitations, including a lack of longitudinal studies, inconsistent definitions of racial discrimination, and limited use of validated measurement tools. The authors emphasise the need for more rigorous research to better understand the complex pathways through which racial discrimination affects child and youth health, ultimately aiming to improve study quality and inform effective interventions.