Record Breaking Heatwaves Threaten Health of Young Children

Nearly 8% of this year’s excess heat-related deaths in Europe were children (ABC). From toddlers overheating in cars to older children drowning while trying to cool off, record-breaking heatwaves have put many young lives at risk (ABC). As temperatures rise, schools should close during extreme heat because many buildings cannot keep students safe, crowded classrooms increase heat-related illnesses, and student health should come before the normal school schedule (ABC).

Many schools, especially older ones, are not built to handle extreme heat. During the recent heatwave, more than 1,000 schools in the United Kingdom closed or dismissed students early because classrooms became dangerously hot (ABC). Climate experts say many British schools were “built for a climate that no longer exists today,” keeping heat in during winter rather than cooling classrooms during heatwaves (AP). Until schools have effective cooling systems, closing them is the safest choice.

Even schools with air conditioning cannot always maintain safe temperatures. David Woods, head teacher at Beaconsfield Primary School, explained that some older buildings stay cooler than newer ones, which often trap heat (AP). Because every school responds differently to extreme temperatures, schools cannot guarantee a safe learning environment during severe heat.

Crowded classrooms make extreme heat even worse. Imagine sitting with twenty-nine other students in a hot room with poor ventilation. During Europe’s recent heatwave, teachers said students struggled to concentrate while schools relied on fans, buckets of water, and open windows to stay cool (AP). Students cannot learn well when they are focused on the heat instead of their lessons.

Some argue that school closures interrupt learning and create childcare problems. While these concerns are valid, missed work can be made up through online assignments or schedule changes. Student health, however, cannot be replaced. When temperatures become dangerous, protecting children should be the top priority (ABC).

Schools should close when classroom temperatures reach 30°C or higher. The UK’s National Education Union says 26°C is the highest comfortable classroom temperature and recommends action above that (National Education Union). The UK Health Security Agency also warns that temperatures around 30°C reduce concentration and increase the risk of heat exhaustion, especially for young children (UK Health Security Agency). A clear temperature limit would help schools know when to close or switch to online learning.

In conclusion, schools should close whenever extreme heat threatens student safety. Europe is facing hotter, more frequent heatwaves, yet many schools remain unprepared (ABC). No lesson is more important than protecting children’s health. Until schools can maintain safe indoor temperatures, closing during dangerous heat is the responsible choice.