Reviews the decrease in mortality of children & youth in the U.S. since 1900. Appreciable age, race, & sex differences in the amount of decline & in current (1983-85) status of mortality exist. The naturally caused death in the U.S ranked mid-way with 8 other industrialized nations, but the U.S. externally caused death rate is high . Suicide rates were consistently lower for females. Injury prevention in childhood is a priority concern of U.S. Public Health Services. (CM)