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It also doesn't mention the fact that there are fewer children today. The US birth rate has been in steady decline for nearly a decade now. Since 2007, it's only been up one year (2014)

http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2016/06/07/behind-the-ongoing...

>Also less deaths doesn't necessarily mean healthier

Especially in youth where accidents are the leading cause of death.

Better use of helmets, seat belts, and life jackets could be the cause of reduced mortality, even while health declines.

True, although I'd guess that the massive decrease in mortality in infants under 1 (who are still massively more likely to die than older children) is probably due to improved medical intervention.

For older children and teenagers it's probably better safety equipment, particularly in cars. I guess we've also got improved treatments now for the few diseases which actually do kill children, such as various cancers.

But hey, it's still good news, even if "healthier" isn't the way to describe it.

More likely to be alive and fat. [1]: http://www.ni4kids.com/Features/article.aspx?listing_id=5e7e...