Turning children from passive victims of floods to actor citizens

It has been recommended that children should become actor citizens in the flood management process and not be seen as “passive victims”. The researchers recognised that, overall, “a fundamental shift is required in the way policy is conceived”. They argue that children and young people can be agents of change and can make important contributions to capacity building. Children, like all vulnerable groups, have existing capacities which can be nurtured and can support more effective disaster management during all disaster stages. Children can, for example, pass on information to and involve other family members in disaster awareness raising and planning; they “tend to have a clear and uncluttered view about risks”; and their creativity, open-mindedness and enthusiasm can make them catalysts for change. In essence, children can be effective actor citizens, with the appropriate guidance.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Open-mindedness, Communication

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, All disaster phases

Types of Actors Concerned: Active citizens

Recommendations:

• Empower vulnerable groups (i.e. children, elderly, and people with disabilities) by including them in disaster management decision-making and actions