Response to Parliament of Australia, Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee: Lessons to be learned in relation to the Australian bushfire season 2019-20

Surveys show that most children know about climate change and are worried about its impact on their future. This short article addresses children's emotional responses to climate change and how professionals and parents can respond to children's concerns by supporting children's emotional wellbeing.

This July research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for that month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis which presents the key messages and highlights. Links to abstracts, full-text articles and related resources, where available, are provided.

Family doctors are well placed to monitor children’s social and emotional wellbeing and mental health. Following a disaster or traumatic event general practitioners become even more critical in providing regular checks, support and advice to both children and their parents.