Children as Bushfire Educators - 'Just be Calm, and Stuff Like That'

Authors

  • Lisa Gibbs 1. Jack Brockhoff Child Health & Wellbeing Program, Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne 2. Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety, University of Melbourne http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9702-6896
  • Greg Ireton Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety, University of Melbourne Jack Brockhoff Child Health & Wellbeing Program, Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne
  • Karen Block Jack Brockhoff Child Health & Wellbeing Program, Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne
  • Emma Taunt Country Fire Authority

Keywords:

bushfire, disaster, wildfire, children, participatory, education, disaster risk reduction

Abstract

The limited evidence about disaster education programs for children indicates that they can increase disaster resilience, family based preparedness activities and reduce child fear and anxiety. However there are still gaps in the literature, including qualitative studies to provide insights into children’s experiences of disaster education programs, and follow up with children who are impacted by actual disasters. This paper reports on a pilot study in Victoria, Australia of a ‘Survive and Thrive’ bushfire education program delivered by the local Fire Brigade and incorporated into the school curricula for upper primary school children in Anglesea, a coastal town with very high bushfire risk. A mix of longitudinal qualitative methods captures the child experience and the program impacts including impact on child agency. The results show the children enjoyed the program and valued the life skills acquired. They demonstrated knowledge and skills gained in monitoring environmental risks and bushfire behaviour, and more nuanced understanding of the differential roles of adults and children in responding to a bushfire in different contexts. Faced with the reality of a nearby bushfire in the summer holidays, children demonstrated their capacity to apply their knowledge and to contribute to family response. 

Author Biography

Lisa Gibbs, 1. Jack Brockhoff Child Health & Wellbeing Program, Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne 2. Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety, University of Melbourne

 

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Published

2018-03-20

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Articles