In this guide: Five youth-informed tips for talking to children about climate change, backed by research on climate anxiety and practical actions families can take together. Created with Save the Children's Youth Advisory Board.
The Climate Crisis can feel overwhelming.
We are watching it play out in front of our eyes, on social media and on the news.
Your child or a child you know might get caught up in online conversations about our planet and be left feeling worried or looking for answers.
The scale of climate anxiety among children is significant and growing. Save the Children's 2022 research found 70% of British children worry about the world they will inherit. Globally, a Lancet study revealed 75% of young people find the future frightening, and 45% say climate feelings negatively affect their daily functioning.
These aren't just emotional concerns—children are experiencing real impacts. UNICEF reported that 242 million students across 85 countries had their education disrupted by extreme climate events in 2024 alone, including heatwaves, floods, and tropical cyclones. In the UK, Gov.uk's Children's People and Nature Survey (2024) found 83% of children consider environmental protection important to them, yet many feel overwhelmed about how to help.
So to help parents, teachers, caregivers and adults everywhere navigate this potentially difficult conversation, we have worked with our Youth Advisory Board to come up with five top tips on how to speak to children about the climate crisis.
Youth Voices: These tips were developed with Save the Children's Youth Advisory Board—young people with lived experience of climate anxiety who wanted to help other children and families navigate these difficult conversations. Their insights shaped this guidance to ensure it reflects what young people actually need from adults.
1. Hear them out: Creating Space for Climate Anxiety
Make time and hold space for them to share how they're feeling. Don't underestimate their ability to ask tough questions, propose smart solutions, and possibly teach you something, too.
Research shows that over 70% of young people wish others would be more open to discussing climate change, yet nearly 58% feel ignored or dismissed when they try. Creating genuine listening space is critical.
It's okay that we might not have all the answers. What's most important is that we commit to staying informed and creating open and honest conversations with children. Try asking: 'What have you been hearing about climate change?' or 'What worries you most about this?' rather than immediately offering solutions or reassurance.
2. Rely on science: Building Climate Literacy in Children
Having responsible conversations about the climate crisis with children and young people means ensuring that these conversations are informed by the scientists and climate researchers who know best.
Share age-appropriate scientific sources with your children. For younger children, this might mean books or videos from trusted organizations like NASA's Climate Kids or National Geographic Kids. For older children, you might explore IPCC reports for youth, government climate data, or reputable news sources together.
Help children distinguish between climate science (what we know is happening) and climate predictions (what might happen depending on our actions). This builds critical thinking while grounding conversations in facts rather than fear.
3. Tailor the conversation to the child
With younger children start with the basics and discuss what could help the environment, such as planting trees and cleaning oceans, and what's harmful, like rising temperatures and plastic pollution.
For example, a 6-year-old might ask 'Why is it so hot?' You could respond: 'The Earth is getting warmer because of things people are doing, like driving cars and using lots of energy. Scientists are working on ways to help the Earth cool down, and lots of people are making changes to help.'
Older children may already have a more advanced understanding so you can encourage them to understand the global problem. A 12-year-old might want to discuss greenhouse gases, renewable energy, or international climate agreements. Be prepared to explore topics like climate justice—why some countries and communities are affected more than others—and the role of systemic change versus individual action.
Teenagers often grapple with complex feelings about their future. They may want to discuss career choices, activism, or feelings of helplessness. UNICEF data shows 242 million students had education disrupted by climate events in 2024—teenagers understand these aren't distant future threats.
4. Make clear it's not their problem to solve
It's important to remind children that the responsibility of solving the climate crisis does not lie with them. Acknowledge that their concerns are valid, reassure them that they are safe, and remind them that there are many adults around the world working to see an end to the climate emergency.
While individual actions matter, children shouldn't carry the weight of systemic problems. The Lancet's global survey found many young people feel betrayed by governments and that adults haven't adequately cared for the planet. Acknowledge this honestly: 'You're right that adults haven't done enough quickly enough. That's something many of us are working to change now.'
Help them understand the difference between personal responsibility (making thoughtful choices) and systemic responsibility (which lies with governments, corporations, and adult decision-makers).
5. Take action together: Moving from Eco-Anxiety to Empowerment
Where there are crises, there is always hope that change is possible. Inspire children to see themselves as agents of change. Discuss ways you can take climate action in your area, such as joining a protest. And commit to implementing climate-friendly ways of living into your routine, like trying out plant-based recipes or cycling to school or work.
Gov.uk research found 61% of children are already recycling and many are taking other environmental actions—they want to contribute meaningfully.
Age-appropriate actions might include:
Ages 5-8: Planting seeds, feeding birds, reducing food waste at home, creating 'save the planet' artwork
Ages 9-12: Starting a school environmental club, organizing litter picks, writing to local councillors, learning about renewable energy
Ages 13+: Joining youth climate groups like UK Student Climate Network, attending climate strikes, exploring climate careers, engaging with local climate policy
Action is the antidote to anxiety. A Woodland Trust survey found 75% of people would be willing to plant trees—connecting children to nature through action can reduce anxiety while making a genuine difference.
Inspire children to see themselves as agents of change. Discuss ways you can take climate action in your area, such as joining a protest. And commit to implementing climate-friendly ways of living into your routine, like trying out plant-based recipes or cycling to school or work.
Signs of Climate Anxiety in Children
Climate anxiety can manifest differently depending on age. Younger children might express worry through questions about natural disasters or fear for animals. Older children and teenagers may show signs including persistent worry about the future, feelings of helplessness, guilt about their carbon footprint, or anger at inaction by adults and governments.
Research published in 2024 from East London schools found significant climate-related worries among primary-aged children, showing this concern starts earlier than many adults realize. A 2025 TIME report found that nearly 62% of young people try to talk about climate change but 58% feel ignored or dismissed—highlighting how crucial these conversations are.
When Climate Worry Becomes Overwhelming
While concern about climate change is appropriate and can motivate positive action, persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life, sleep, or school performance may need additional support. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health notes that 49% of UK young people aged 16-25 are very or extremely worried about climate change.
If your child's climate anxiety feels unmanageable, speak with your GP, school counsellor, or contact NHS mental health services for children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Talking to Children About Climate Change
At what age should I start talking about climate change?
Children as young as 5 or 6 notice environmental changes and hear adults talking about climate. Start conversations when they show interest or ask questions. Keep it simple and age-appropriate, focusing on what they can understand and what gives them agency.How do I balance honesty with not frightening them?
Honesty doesn't mean sharing every dire prediction. Acknowledge the problem exists, that adults are working on solutions, and that their generation will be part of those solutions. Focus on progress being made and actions being taken alongside the challenges.What if I don't know much about climate science myself?
Learn together. Say "That's a great question—let's find out." Use trusted sources like NASA Climate, Met Office, or Royal Society. This models curiosity and critical thinking.My teenager feels hopeless about climate change. How can I help?
Validate their feelings—the Lancet study found 75% of young people find the future frightening. Then connect them to action and community. Youth climate groups, environmental volunteering, or careers in green industries can channel worry into purpose.Should children participate in climate strikes or protests?
This depends on your family values and the child's age. Many families find peaceful climate action empowering for children. If you're comfortable with it, attending together can help children feel their voice matters. Always prioritize safety and ensure they understand the purpose of the action.How much climate news exposure is appropriate? Limit direct exposure to distressing climate news, especially for younger children. Instead, curate discussions based on what they're ready to understand. Watch documentaries or read articles together rather than allowing unfiltered social media exposure.
How Save the Children Helps
Children are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. UNICEF reports show 43.1 million child displacements linked to weather-related disasters over six years—approximately 20,000 child displacements per day.
See how we're helping children most affected by climate disasters. Our emergency teams provide immediate support when floods, droughts, and extreme weather strike, while our long-term programs help communities adapt to changing climates.
Sign our climate emergency petition to demand stronger action from world leaders.
You Might Also Find Helpful
- How to talk to kids about other hard topics
- See how we're helping children most effected by climate disasters
- Sign our climate emergency petition
We hope these tips and links are helpful. These conversations aren't always easy, but they're important. Remember: you don't need to have all the answers. Your presence, honesty, and willingness to listen are what matter most.
If you've found this guidance helpful, consider sharing it with other parents, teachers, and caregivers who might benefit.
Updated September 2025
This guidance was developed with our Youth Advisory Board in 2022 and updated in September 2025 to reflect the latest research on children's climate anxiety and current climate impacts. Since this guidance was first published, climate events have intensified—2024 saw record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events affecting children globally.
