Explore the role of climate change on children’s development and well-being in early years

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges, particularly affecting vulnerable children and families in various ways. This research seeks to explore three critical aspects: (1) parents’ understanding of climate change, (2) their perceptions of its effects on children's development and well-being, and (3) the coping strategies used by children and their families. A comprehensive mixed-methods approach was applied that integrates quantitative measures with qualitative descriptions from the experiences of affected individuals in the Satkhira District, a natural disaster-prone coastal region of Bangladesh. 80 parents participated in a survey, and 12 parents were involved in two focus group discussions. Key findings indicated a limited understanding and varying levels of knowledge about climate change among parents. Additionally, parents reported various challenges affecting children’s development due to climate change, including physical health issues (97.5%), lack of play opportunities (81.3%), mental health problems (57.5%), and learning interruptions (67.5%). Furthermore, 27.5% were unable to identify effective coping strategies, and limited access to support systems further complicated the situation for children and families. This research enhances ongoing discourse by offering actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, emphasizing the critical need for adaptive strategies to mitigate risks and strengthen resilience in affected communities.