New research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry examined how heat exposure relates to basic developmental milestones. The researchers analyzed data for 19,607 three- and four-year-olds from Gambia, Georgia, Madagascar, Malawi, Palestine and Sierra Leone. They matched each child’s developmental records to monthly average temperature data to estimate exposure.
Development was measured with the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI), which covers literacy and numeracy, social-emotional development, approaches to learning, and physical development. The authors also used 2017–2020 data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) on education, health, nutrition and sanitation.
The study found that children exposed to average maximum temperatures above 86 °F (30 °C) were 5 to 6.7 percent less likely to meet basic literacy and numeracy milestones than children exposed to lower temperatures in the same region and season. Effects were larger for children from economically disadvantaged households, for those with less access to clean water, and for children in urban areas. The lead author, Jorge Cuartas of NYU Steinhardt, and coauthors call for more research to explain these effects and to guide policies and interventions.
Difficult words
- expose — to put into a situation that can harmexposed
- milestone — important skill or stage in child growthmilestones
- literacy — ability to read and understand written text
- numeracy — ability to use and understand numbers
- sanitation — measures that keep environments clean and healthy
- disadvantaged — having less money, support, or opportunities
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might heat exposure affect children's learning and development? Give one or two reasons.
- What kinds of policies or interventions could help protect children from the effects of heat?
- How could access to clean water or living in urban areas change the effects described in the study?
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