Majority of under-12s worried about climate change, new Greenpeace research finds

Majority of under-12s worried about climate change, new Greenpeace research finds

A significant majority of primary school-aged children in the UK are worried about climate change, according to newly released research that also highlights growing concerns among teachers about supporting young people experiencing eco-anxiety.

The findings reveal that climate change is no longer an issue affecting only teenagers and young adults. Instead, concerns about the environment are becoming increasingly common among younger children, many of whom are already feeling anxious about the future of the planet.

A YouGov survey of more than 600 children, commissioned by Greenpeace UK, found that nearly four in five (78%) primary-aged children say they are worried about climate change. More than one in four (27%) described themselves as very worried, underlining the emotional impact environmental issues are having on children before they reach secondary school.

While the mental health effects of climate change have been widely studied among older age groups, relatively little research has focused on children under the age of 12. These findings suggest that environmental concerns are emerging much earlier than previously recognised, highlighting the need for age-appropriate conversations and emotional support both at home and in the classroom.

Alongside the children’s survey, Greenpeace UK commissioned a separate YouGov poll of primary school teachers, which paints a challenging picture of how schools are responding to the issue. Seven in ten teachers (70%) said they do not have enough time during the school day to properly support pupils who are worried about climate change, despite recognising the growing need for these discussions.

Teachers also expressed a strong demand for practical guidance. More than four in five (82%) said they would find dedicated lesson plans and educational resources useful for helping children understand climate change in a balanced and constructive way while managing feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.

The research comes as awareness of eco-anxiety, the distress caused by concerns about environmental destruction and climate change, continues to grow. Experts increasingly emphasise that while it is important for children to learn about the climate crisis, these conversations should also empower them by focusing on hope, solutions and positive action rather than fear alone.

To coincide with the publication of the findings and the start of Children’s Mental Health Week, Greenpeace UK has launched a series of new guides designed to help parents, carers and teachers talk to children about climate change in a reassuring and age-appropriate way. The guides were written by Caroline Hickman, a psychotherapist and leading researcher specialising in eco-anxiety. They provide practical advice on discussing the realities of the climate crisis honestly while helping children build resilience, maintain hope and understand that individuals and communities can play an important role in creating positive environmental change.

Singer and long-time Greenpeace supporter Paloma Faith, who is the mother of two young daughters, has also backed the campaign. Reflecting on the findings, she said:

“Children are so naturally curious about the world around them, and they ask big, important questions about things like climate change. It can be hard to know how to answer in a way that’s honest but not scary. That’s why I think this guide is so brilliant, it helps parents and carers talk to kids about the planet in a way that makes them feel hopeful and capable, rather than helpless. We need to raise a generation that believes in change, and that starts with these conversations.”

Commenting on the guides, Caroline Hickman said:

“Homes torched by wildfires, flooded villages, people fleeing hurricanes, pictures of climate impacts are coming in thick and fast and our kids are watching. Parents want their children to have a worry-free childhood and it’s a natural instinct to shelter them from scary truths. But this is neither feasible nor helpful. When it comes to climate change, ignoring the problem would only put them at a disadvantage. Our children will come of age during a climate crisis so building their emotional resilience is one way to prepare them. But we know this can be a challenge for parents and especially teachers, who already have a lot on their plate. This is where these guides come in. They give some simple tips on how to start the conversation and make sure that it strikes the right balance between problems and solutions.” 

Here at Kids Just Recycle, we can help under-12s who are worried about climate change. We can give them a special textiles recycling project which has a positive impact on our environment as well as raise funds for your school. Just call our friendly team and let us take care of the details.

Blog written by www.wendyjenningscreative.co.uk