The 'Children and Young People in Disasters' research group unites researchers from diverse disciplines to explore the complex experiences of children and young people in disasters resulting from natural and human-made hazards. The group is based at the University of Groningen.

The group's interdisciplinary approach aims to address various topics, such as

disaster education, mental health, policy making, intersectionality, social consequences of disasters, disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, mental health and psychosocial support, displacement, camp management, water, shelter, and hygiene, humanitarian aid, child-friendly spaces, education, case management, child protection, child welfare system, justice for children, and child participation

The group seeks to answer questions like:

• What are the social and psychological consequences of disasters and conflicts (and their cascading effects, such as displacement) on children and young people, and how can these impacts be prevented or mitigated?
• How can children be prepared physically and socio-psychologically for challenging situations resulting from disasters, using a variety of educational tools, including emerging technologies and digital tools?
• How can the needs of children, including those with disabilities, be considered in humanitarian assistance, response, and recovery? What roles can researchers from diverse fields play in developing child-friendly humanitarian aid?

Through collaboration across faculties we aim to foster innovative, comprehensive, and inclusive research that advances our understanding of children and young people's experiences in disasters.

Group Coordinator

Dr. Hamed Seddighi, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Groningen. Mail: h.seddighi rug.nl