Identifying and managing eco-anxiety in children

Eco-anxiety is a recent phenomenon that is becoming increasingly concerning. It has only been studied since the 1990s but represents a growing mental challenge in a world increasingly aware of environmental issues. This form of anxiety stems from the mounting concern for environmental problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation.

Eco-anxiety is a psychological distress linked to the planet's future and awareness of human actions contributing to its deterioration.

Several factors contribute to a child developing eco-anxiety:

Anxious media and information: children lack the neurological maturity to distance themselves from catastrophic images they see. Exposure to alarming news, reports, or discussions about environmental issues can create a sense of urgency and insecurity in children.

  

Lack of positive perspectives: the absence of discussions about progress made to protect the environment or the omission of concrete solutions can accentuate feelings of urgency and powerlessness.

  

Uncertainty about the future: fear for their own future, that of their families, and the planet as a whole can provoke anxiety in children sensitive to these issues.

  

Feelings of powerlessness: the impression that their individual actions cannot significantly influence environmental problems can lead to a sense of powerlessness and increased anxiety.

  

Discrepancies between information and behavior: children are sensitive to the disparity between what they hear, see, or learn and the real actions of those around them. This can create cognitive and emotional conflicts in children (confusion, frustration, anger…).

  

Personal experience: having experienced extreme weather events, animal loss, or destruction of the environment near their living area can be traumatic and generate anxiety.

These different situations can contribute to eco-anxiety in children, but each child reacts differently to these factors. An approach that combines awareness, positive actions, and providing suitable emotional support can help prevent or alleviate this anxiety.

Climate change has significant implications for the health and future of children and young people. They have little power to limit its damage, which makes them particularly vulnerable to climate anxiety. In a 2021 study by The Lancet involving 10,000 youths aged 16 to 25 from 10 different countries, 59% were extremely or very concerned about the impact of climate change. With the worsening environmental crisis, the subject is pervasive, and even children aged 6-7 can feel troubled by these disruptions.

Signs of possible eco-anxiety include:

- Excessive concern for the environment

- Frequent questions about ecological problems

- Emotional distress...