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First global synthesis of heat-related mental health impacts in children and young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of non-optimal temperatures and heatwaves, posing risks to public health, especially for children and young people. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impacts of (i) non-optimal ambient temperatures and (ii) heatwaves on mental health outcomes in this group globally.

Citation:
Kwan S, Stephens J, Bradshaw CJA, ……. Judge MA, Le Souëf PN, Fatima SH. First global synthesis of heat-related mental health impacts in children and young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Epidemiol. 2026;55(4).

Keywords:
Children and adolescents; climate change; heat exposure; heatwaves; high temperature; mental health; systematic review

Abstract:
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of non-optimal temperatures and heatwaves, posing risks to public health, especially for children and young people. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impacts of (i) non-optimal ambient temperatures and (ii) heatwaves on mental health outcomes in this group globally.