Summer Vacation Arrives: The Impact of Severe Heat on Children
In a world where temperatures continue to rise, the effects of extreme heat on children's mental health and learning abilities are becoming increasingly apparent. Burghardt, a forward-thinking individual, refuses to accept a dystopian view of a world where children cannot go outside and believes that humans can adapt.
As global temperatures increase, schools must adapt to new extremes to ensure learning continuity. Extreme heat disrupts sleep, affecting children's mental and behavioural health, and their ability to function the next day. This disruption can have long-lasting consequences on children's mental health, as sleep deprivation due to extreme heat can impact the formation of the circuits that form the foundation of mental health throughout one's lifespan, particularly in early childhood.
The brain detects extreme heat as a threat to well-being, leading to activation of the stress response system. This activation destabilises neurotransmitters that regulate mood, contributing to anxiety and behavioural problems. The damage from this "cascade of reactions" can affect the brain, immune system, heart, and other muscles.
Children are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, as they heat up faster, sweat less, and rely on adults for cooling and hydration. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that a lot of learning in early childhood happens through play, which can be compromised when it is too hot.
In terms of learning, not only does heat hinder formal education by reducing concentration, but it also compromises informal, play-based learning essential for social and emotional development. Heat limits outdoor play where children negotiate, solve social conflicts, and face challenges—all key to cognitive and social skill growth.
Beyond children, extreme heat can worsen existing mental health conditions and increase risks of mood swings, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Isolation from staying indoors to avoid heat can compound these mental health issues.
In a warming world, last year an estimated 171 million students had their schooling disrupted by more intense, longer, and more common heatwaves. This disruption can lead to economic implications for parents who may face difficulties leaving work due to school closures.
Effective cooling can improve performance in classrooms by about 20%. It is, therefore, important to consider how infrastructure can be adapted to accommodate warmer temperatures and their effects on learning and health. As we navigate this challenging climate reality, it is crucial to prioritise the well-being and educational opportunities of our children.
This story was published with permission from Thomson Reuters Foundation.
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- The rise in global temperatures exacerbates mental health issues in children, such as anxiety and behavioral problems, as extreme heat triggers stress responses that destabilize neurotransmitters regulating mood.
- The impact of extreme heat on children's mental health can have lifelong consequences, particularly in early childhood, where sleep deprivation due to high temperatures can affect the formation of circuits that underpin mental health.
- As temperatures increase, accommodating warmer temperatures in schools becomes an essential aspect of ensuring learning continuity and maintaining the social and emotional development of children through play.
- The international scientific community has recognized the negative effects of extreme heat on children's health and well-being, as evident in numerous studies, including "Effects of extreme heat on children's health and development," "Heat stress and children's mental health," "The impact of heatwaves on mental health," and "The effects of extreme heat on children's health and development."
