3 weeks ago

Heatwaves pose highest mental health risks for children and teens

Heatwaves pose highest mental health risks for children and teens
Heatwaves Put Children, Teens’ Mental Health Most at Risk: Review · deccanchronicle.com

Scientists looked at 23 different studies from around the world to see how hot weather affects kids' minds.

They found that children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 18 are the ones at the most risk.

On very hot days, these young people are 25% more likely to have mental health problems.

Even when it gets just one degree hotter, the risk grows a little.

Heat can keep kids awake on hot nights, which makes them tired and grumpy.

It can also make parents more stressed and lead to more arguments at home.

Children are still growing, so their bodies have a harder time dealing with extreme heat.

Kids are also less likely to protect themselves, like drinking enough water or staying in the shade.

The scientists suggest ideas like cooler classrooms, better air flow, and shady outdoor spaces.

These changes could help keep children's minds healthy as the world gets warmer.

Key facts

Study type
Review of 23 global studies
Journal
International Journal of Epidemiology
Most vulnerable group
Children and teenagers aged 5 to 18
Risk increase with higher temperatures (ages 5-18)
1.5%
Risk increase during heatwaves (ages 5-18)
25%
Risk per 1°C rise in daily temperature
Nearly 1%
Researchers' institutions
Flinders University and University of Canberra, Australia
Recommended adaptations
Cooler classrooms, better ventilation, shaded outdoor spaces

Quotes

Jacqueline Stephens

Epidemiologist and associate professor at Flinders University, Australia

“Children and young people are especially vulnerable because of their physiological and behavioural susceptibility to heat, because they're still developing and have a lower likelihood of adopting protective behaviours during extreme heat events.”
deccanchronicle.com
“There's a range of reasons why children are more susceptible to changes in climate that are linked to social and developmental stressors, including disruptions to outdoor activities, their education, and recreational opportunities.”
deccanchronicle.com telegraphindia.com

Sources

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