Our hearts are with all people who have lost loved ones and are trying to recover from the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The United Nations estimates that nearly seven million youth have been impacted by the earthquake and its aftershocks. Many have been killed, injured, or orphaned.
Natural disasters present a significant threat to the health and well-being of children and adolescents. Actions are needed now to mitigate this threat. Greater investments in infrastructure, remediation efforts, and more effective, evidence-based responses will help promote healthy development among youth exposed to natural disasters and their families. This SRCD Child Evidence Brief by Dr. Betty S. Lai and Dr. Annette M. La Greca examines the impact of natural disasters on children.
To help earthquake survivors and their families, visit the American Red Cross or the World Health Organization.
Saima Hedrick, SRCD Executive Director
Annette M. La Greca, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Miami
Betty S. Lai, Ph.D., Counseling, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Boston College
View a statement from the International Consortium of Developmental Science Societies.