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[HEALTH] · India, Australia · 4 sources

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Heatwaves increase mental health risks for children and teenagers

A review of global studies published in the International Journal of Epidemiology has identified children and teenagers aged 5 to 18 as the most vulnerable group to the mental health impacts of heatwaves.

Research indicates that adverse mental health outcomes for children increase by nearly 1 percent for every 1 degree Celsius rise in daily temperature. During heatwaves, the risk of poor mental health outcomes increases by 25 percent. Researchers noted that higher temperatures are also linked to increased suicide rates globally.

Experts from Flinders University suggest that children are particularly susceptible due to physiological development, social stressors, and disruptions to education and outdoor activities. Additionally, extreme heat can lead to sleep disruption, affecting emotional regulation and increasing family conflict and caregiving stress.

Entities

Corey Bradshaw · Flinders University · International Journal of Epidemiology · Jacqueline Stephens · Nieves Ramos Sánchez-Mateos · Salena Sainz · Valérie Tasso

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