Children today are increasingly aware of, and sometimes anxious about, climate change. The term “eco-anxiety” describes the feelings of worry and fear about the future of our planet, often exacerbated by stark warnings and tangible effects of climate change. Children with eco-anxiety may feel nervous or guilty and may even experience sleep disturbances. The good news is that both parents and teachers can play pivotal roles in alleviating this anxiety by educating children about environmental sustainability, fostering a sense of empowerment, optimism, and activism.
The First Step is to Listen to Your Kids!
It’s important to understand what they know, what they think they know, and how they feel about it. If you’re starting to talk to and educate your children about climate change, consider the following:
- Listen and validate feelings: Acknowledge children's fears and concerns about climate change. Validate their feelings and provide a safe space for them to express their thoughts and emotions.
- Provide age-appropriate information: Tailor the information about climate change to the child's age and comprehension level. Avoid overwhelming them with too much information at once, and focus on actionable steps they can take and you can take as a family.
- Emphasize solutions and positive actions: Highlight the positive actions being taken globally and locally to combat climate change. Encourage children to get involved in initiatives that make a difference.
- Foster connection with nature: Help children develop a connection with nature through outdoor activities. Spending time in nature can enhance their appreciation for the environment and reinforce the importance of protecting it.
- Promote hope and resilience: Share stories of individuals and communities who are successfully addressing climate change. Emphasize resilience and the power of collective action.
The Role of Eco-Friendly Practices and Education in Schools
Chris Guides, Science Department Head at Friends’ Central School, says that incorporating environmental education into school curriculums is essential for supporting children’s well-being. “For the past decade of their lives, students have received information and have rarely gotten the opportunity to actually engage and have an impact,” explained Guides. “At Friends Central, we've tried to provide students with an opportunity to participate in some of the actions we think are helpful for what we're seeing with climate change, whether it’s adding more pollinator plants to different parts of the campus or taking some areas in our parking lot and creating rain gardens to catch water and slowly allow it to go down into the ground.”
When students learn about sustainability and engage in eco-friendly practices, they gain a sense of control and purpose, which can significantly reduce feelings of eco-anxiety. Bringing sustainability into the school curriculum can include teaching about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, as well as implementing programs that encourage sustainable practices, such as school gardens, recycling drives, and energy conservation initiatives.
Ask Your Child’s School How They Are Approaching Climate Change and Sustainability
These practical and hands-on steps educators can take to teach children about environmental sustainability and alleviate eco-anxiety:
- Integrating environmental education into the curriculum: Incorporate lessons on climate change, renewable energy, and conservation into various subjects. Use interactive activities and projects to engage students.
- Creating a green school environment: Implement eco-friendly practices within the school, such as recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, and water conservation measures. Involve students in these initiatives.
- Supporting student-led environmental clubs: Encourage students to form clubs focused on environmental sustainability. Provide resources and guidance for organizing activities and campaigns.
- Hosting workshops and guest speakers: Invite environmental experts to speak to students about sustainability. Organize workshops where students can learn practical skills, such as gardening or upcycling.
Education Creates Optimism and Inspires Young Leaders
Teaching children about environmental sustainability at home and at school does more than just alleviate anxiety; it also fosters a sense of optimism and potential for leadership. Prominent young activists like Greta Thunberg have shown that children can be powerful advocates for change. Young environmental leaders can inspire their peers, families, and communities to adopt eco-friendly practices and advocate for policies that support environmental protection.
Guides has seen this among his students at FCS. “One time some of the kids and I were out in a parking lot creating a rain garden. Other students walked through the parking lot and were asking some of the kids who were helping me about what we were doing. And the kids started sharing and using the right vocabulary.” Creating a spark of leadership can be that easy. Guides even notes that more students are talking about wanting to do environmental work in college, compared to years prior.
By providing education, encouraging advocacy, and promoting optimism, we can help children navigate their fears and develop into confident, proactive environmental leaders. With the help of parents and teachers, this future will be led by a generation that is ready to tackle the challenges of climate change who—true to the FCS mission—peacefully transform the world.
