CANBERRA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) — Rising temperatures and heatwaves are linked to poorer mental health among children and young people, according to a new Australian-led review.
The study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found that adverse mental health outcomes increased by almost 1 percent for children with every 1-degree Celsius rise in daily temperature, according to a statement released Thursday by Australia’s Flinders University.
Analyzing data from 23 global studies examining the relationship between temperature, heatwaves, and mental health, the review found children aged 5 to 18 years are the most vulnerable, with the risk of poor mental health outcomes increasing by 25 percent during heatwaves and by 1.5 percent in higher temperatures.
Flinders University epidemiologist and study co-author Associate Professor Jacqueline Stephens said climate was driving more frequent and severe high temperatures and heatwaves in Australia and around the world, posing increasing public health risks, particularly for children and young people.
Children are particularly susceptible because high temperatures can disrupt sleep, outdoor activities, education and recreation, while heat-related stress on parents and families may also affect children’s wellbeing, Stephens said.
Co-author, Flinders University Professor Corey Bradshaw, said the modelling showed that high temperatures and heatwaves led to increased emergency visits, anxiety, depression and suicide attempts, supporting the need to integrate mental health into climate adaptation efforts and develop targeted interventions for children and young people.
The researchers said practical responses could include cooler classrooms, improved ventilation and shaded outdoor spaces. ■
