There is a lot of debate around how much we should tell children about climate change. Some people think that if they know too much it will steal their childhood. However a recent survey of child psychiatrists discovered that nearly half their patients were anxious about climate change.
The problem is that if we don’t teach children about the issues facing our planet they will still hear about them anyway. From the news, overheard conversations, at school in the playground, etc. Finding out like this, very often out of context, can be very stressful and make children even more fearful. And children NEED to know about climate change. It is their future at stake.
When asked, nearly 70% of children said they wanted to learn more about climate change at school. The problem is that many schools are not doing this, with the majority of teachers saying they are not equipped with the skills to deliver it, as it is such a sensitive subject in many ways. There is obviously a need for training and development here. When children do receive good education on climate change, they are often the ones who go home and tell their parents and in turn begin to change the way their families live. There are lots of examples of youngsters doing just this. If children have the knowledge it empowers them to take action.
When we talk to children and young people about the problems facing our planet, we need to approach it in an age appropriate way. Find out what they already know about climate change, and if there is anything they want to know? Take the lead from them. Use very clear facts when explaining the science in a way that they can understand according to their age and abilities. And reassure them that, although it is worrying and our world is changing, there are lots of things we can do through our actions, as well as new technologies, etc., which are being developed all the time.
Children should perhaps be encouraged to join groups such as MCA or groups at school so that they are able to take part in actions and feel that their voices can be heard. For younger children, a good way to approach the subject of climate change and damage to our environment is through stories. There are lots of brilliant books out there. Here are just a few:
Established Favourites
Dinosaurs and all that Rubbish by Michael Foreman, Puffin (1993; first published 1973)
Dear Greenpeace by Simon James, Walker Books (1991)
New
Lift-The-Flap Looking After Our Planet by Katie Daynes, Usborne (2020)
Climate Rebels by Ben Lerwill, Random House (2020)
Look Out for This
Old Enough to Save the Planet by Loll Kirby and Adelina Lirius (Expected publication: February 9th 2021 by Magic Cat)
A good website for finding children's books is The Book Trust, as it provides a guide to reading and interest ages. https://www.booktrust.org.uk