The impact of disasters on children and young people
An estimated 1.4 million children and young people experience a disaster or extreme weather event in an average year. This is comprised of 1.05 million children and 393,000 young people. The impact on children and young people’s mental health, educational attainment and homelessness status is estimated to be $3.1 billion in an average year.
Disasters and extreme weather events have devastating social and economic impacts on individuals, families, local communities, businesses and governments. These impacts are particularly pronounced for children and young people as they are uniquely vulnerable and physiologically different. They are at greater risk of mental ill-health; physically more at risk of death, injury, illness and abuse; and may experience disruptions to their developmental and educational progress as a result of disasters.
Between 2010 and 2021, 7.7% to 32.4% of children and young people in the LSAC data reported experiencing a disaster in the last 12 months. This equates to 1.4 million children and young people experiencing a disaster in an average year.
The report finds that children and young people who are exposed to disasters are on average:
- 1.3% to 4.5% more likely to experience psychological distress,
- 4.2% less likely to finish year 12, and
- 0.01% more likely to experience homelessness.
The impact on children and young people’s mental health, educational attainment and homelessness status is estimated to be $3.1 billion in an average year.
