Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Heatwaves pose highest mental health risks for children and teens
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.
A review of 23 global studies, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found children and teenagers aged 5 to 18 are the most vulnerable to heat-related mental health problems.
The risk of poor mental health outcomes rises by 1.5% with higher temperatures and by 25% during heatwaves for children and teens aged 5 to 18.
Mental health risks increased by nearly 1% for every 1 degree Celsius rise in daily temperature.
Researchers cited sleep disruption, disrupted outdoor activities, education and recreation, caregiving stress, and family conflict as factors linking heat to children's mental health.
Heat-related mental health risks were higher in developed countries, possibly due to urban heat islands and greater help-seeking, while lower figures in middle-income countries may reflect under-reporting.
- Who
- Children and teenagers aged 5 to 18, identified as the most vulnerable group, and researchers from Flinders University and the University of Canberra in Australia, including Jacqueline Stephens, Corey Bradshaw and Syeda Hira Fatima.
- What
- A review of 23 global studies found that heatwaves and rising temperatures increase mental health risks for children and young people.
- When
- Not explicitly stated in the articles.
- Where
- Global scope drawing on 23 studies, with the research team based in Australia; heat-related mental health risks were higher in developed countries.
- Why
- Heat disrupts sleep, outdoor activities, education and family wellbeing, and children are still developing and less likely to adopt protective behaviours during extreme heat.
- 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
