The contribution of school social work to climate change education and mental health support

Abstract

ABSTRACT This narrative review outlines how school social workers, as part of multi-professional school teams, can be involved in climate change education and mental health support. Rapid climate change and extreme weather events pose an existential threat to children and adolescents, triggering a range of climate emotions such as worry, anxiety or anger. International research shows that current and future climate scenarios affect young people's mental health. In order to achieve good health and well-being, and to prevent serious mental health problems, it is essential to be aware of their climate emotions and distress. In the climate crisis, schools, as important social spaces for children and adolescents, are therefore challenged to provide appropriate educational responses and health promotion for students of all ages. School social workers can make a professional contribution by providing education and counselling aimed at promoting emotional regulation and coping, empowerment for climate action, building self-efficacy and resilience to climate change, and developing comprehensive climate and health literacy. Finally, new challenges and tasks that arise in this context and that require the professional development of school social work are highlighted.