Research shows that climate change has a negative impact on the mental well-being of children and young people. The literature indicates that simply informing children and young people about what is happening and encouraging them to take action is not enough to improve their mental well-being. It is crucial that they can look forward to a hopeful future.
Sustainable behaviour
This gives parents and other caregivers the responsibility to create that hopeful future. In addition to words, this also requires sustainable behaviour from parents and other caregivers, for example in childcare and at school, but also collectively in the neighbourhood, society, the business community and politics. The participation of children and young people is essential in this regard because they can help adults develop sustainable behaviour and, in doing so, create a hopeful future.
Deepening knowledge
Using this essay, the Netherlands Youth Institute intends to engage in further discussions with knowledge partners about what is needed to deepen knowledge about how parents and other caregivers can act appropriately. This may lead to follow-up studies that teach us even more about how parents and other caregivers can offer children and young people a hopeful outlook for the future.
Gaining momentum
“The essay makes it clear that adults should not create false hope for a good future with nothing but attractive plans to address climate change,” says Tom van Yperen of the Netherlands Youth Institute. “It is important to work at a rapid pace on making society more sustainable. That transition towards sustainability appears to be gaining momentum. This is good for the environment and therefore also for children and young people.”