Psychology Week 2019

Psychology and social justice issues

What can we learn from young people?

In Australia and around the world there has been an unprecedented level of attention on the climate crisis in the wake of the global School Strike 4 Climate. During Psychology Week 2019, the APS will explore the concerns and attitudes of children and young people towards social justice issues, with a particular focus on the climate crisis. We now know that the majority of children and young people are worried about how the climate crisis will affect their future lives. We are also seeing many young adults reconsidering whether to have children of their own, because they fear that the world will not be liveable into the future.

"During Psychology Week 2019, the APS will release a paper exploring what psychology has to contribute to and learn from young people about the climate crisis and other social justice issues. The paper is based on existing research and the perspectives shared by members of the APS Youth Advisory Group."

The increased momentum of youth-led programs in recent times, both at a climate-activism level and in thinking about how to best ensure the future of individual young people, communities, countries and the planet, is hardly surprising. Recent scenes of children and young people taking action in the streets reflect the seriousness of the climate crisis and provide a means for young people to act on anxieties and fears they experience about their future. Problem-focused and meaning-focused coping are good ways to deal with the fears and anxieties associated with climate change, and can help build realistic hope and trust in others.

Greta Thunberg and the millions of other ‘school strikers for climate action’ have illustrated to us the many positive development skills learnt through political action. Public speaking, organising and promoting public events, and speaking to and influencing politicians and other adults are skills and attributes that will stand young people in good stead. Particularly as the world and the way we live, work, travel and consume changes. The persistence, determination, creativity, emotional self-regulation, prosocial behaviour, community orientation and active citizenship of these young people are important ingredients for positive development.

We encourage members to engage in activities in their local area and through their networks during Psychology Week 2019 to spread the word about what psychology and psychologists can contribute at the local level and beyond. More information and downloadable resources including tip sheets and guides for parents will be available at psychweek.org.au