Association between climate change and mental health outcomes in school-aged children: a systematic review protocol
1
Graduate Program in Sustainability Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
2
Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
3
Department of Cognitive Science, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, United States
4
Sustainable Society Design Center, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A377
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Climate change poses escalating, disproportionate risks to mental health, particularly for children and adolescents during critical developmental stages¹⁻³. Climate-related stressors disrupt daily lives and exacerbate psychological distress¹⁻². Although research among adults is expanding, existing evidence remains fragmented and lacks a comprehensive synthesis specifically addressing children and adolescents⁴. This systematic review aims to address this critical gap by assessing observational studies to clarify the association between diverse climate-related stressors and mental health outcomes in school-aged children aged 5 to 19 years.
METHODS:
This review follows a systematic protocol registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251138746) and adopts PRISMA guidelines. We will include quantitative observational studies including cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional designs involving children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years. Exposure encompasses climate-related stressors. Primary outcomes include mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, alongside psychological distress and climate-specific impacts such as eco-anxiety. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science without language or date restrictions. Two reviewers independently perform study selection and data extraction. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (ROBANS). Meta-analysis will be conducted if data are sufficiently homogeneous; otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be performed.
RESULTS:
As of January 2026, the systematic search has been completed, identifying 2453 records. The screening process is currently ongoing. Final synthesis and evidence certainty assessment using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach are scheduled for completion by March 2026.
CONCLUSIONS:
This systematic review will provide a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence regarding climate change impacts on school-aged children's mental health. Findings will identify critical knowledge gaps and inform public health policies to support their mental well-being facing climate-related challenges.
Climate change poses escalating, disproportionate risks to mental health, particularly for children and adolescents during critical developmental stages¹⁻³. Climate-related stressors disrupt daily lives and exacerbate psychological distress¹⁻². Although research among adults is expanding, existing evidence remains fragmented and lacks a comprehensive synthesis specifically addressing children and adolescents⁴. This systematic review aims to address this critical gap by assessing observational studies to clarify the association between diverse climate-related stressors and mental health outcomes in school-aged children aged 5 to 19 years.
METHODS:
This review follows a systematic protocol registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD420251138746) and adopts PRISMA guidelines. We will include quantitative observational studies including cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional designs involving children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years. Exposure encompasses climate-related stressors. Primary outcomes include mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, alongside psychological distress and climate-specific impacts such as eco-anxiety. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science without language or date restrictions. Two reviewers independently perform study selection and data extraction. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (ROBANS). Meta-analysis will be conducted if data are sufficiently homogeneous; otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be performed.
RESULTS:
As of January 2026, the systematic search has been completed, identifying 2453 records. The screening process is currently ongoing. Final synthesis and evidence certainty assessment using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach are scheduled for completion by March 2026.
CONCLUSIONS:
This systematic review will provide a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence regarding climate change impacts on school-aged children's mental health. Findings will identify critical knowledge gaps and inform public health policies to support their mental well-being facing climate-related challenges.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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