No One Really Knows How Children Handle All This Heat
The author examines the discrepancy between public health warnings about children's vulnerability to extreme heat and epidemiological data showing low rates of heat-related illness in kids. The piece questions why children appear more resilient to heat than standard health guidance suggests.
Why it matters
Understanding actual health risks versus perceived risks is crucial for parents and policymakers managing public safety during climate-driven heat waves.
Children are said to be at particular risk from heat. So why are their rates of heat-related illness so low?
H. Armstrong Roberts / ClassicStock / Getty July 11, 2026, 8 AM ET Share Save You know it’s hot when summer camps have to cancel bonfires and doctors warn that playgrounds could be dangerous. Last week, when a heat dome was descending on New York City, I grew a bit concerned myself. My children’s outdoor day camp promised to “pivot to ‘water games’,” as the email put it, and said that there would be fans and misters. “Of course,” the camp added, “if you feel the heat for the rest of this week will not set your camper up for success, feel free to keep them at home.”
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