Report Shows One in Five Children Suffers from Chronic Pain

A new study shows chronic pain affects one in five children and causes long delays in medical diagnosis. The condition disrupts schooling, sleep, and family life for thousands of households.

Chronic Pain Australia commissioned the 2025 National Kids in Pain Report. The study surveyed 229 children, young people, and caregivers to examine daily impacts. It estimates that 877,000 children in Australia live with persistent pain lasting over three months.

The findings highlight major delays in healthcare. About 64 percent of families waited over three years for a formal diagnosis. Many children never received a clear explanation for their pain.

Education and mental health suffer significantly. About 83 percent of affected children missed school classes. More than half fell behind academically. In addition, 84 percent experienced sleep issues, and over 80 percent reported anxiety or low mood. Girls represented 57 percent of all cases.

The condition places heavy economic strain on parents. Nearly half of caregivers reduced work hours or left employment. One in five parents resigned, and one in twenty was fired. The annual economic cost is estimated at 15 billion Australian dollars.

Physiotherapy lecturer Joshua Pate and professor Mark Hutchinson authored the research. The Independent published the findings based on data from The Conversation.