As around 26 million students begin their summer break in the country, a child expert warned of a potential health risk to children from the extreme heat.

Joy Sampang, early childhood care and development advisor at Save the Children Philippines, explained that children, especially those under five, are more vulnerable to scorching weather.

“They are less able to regulate their body temperature while playing outdoors. Young children may also be unable to recognize or express symptoms of heat-related distress, making them more susceptible to harm,” Sampang said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has reported that numerous areas across the country are experiencing "danger" level heat indices, ranging from 42° to 47° Celsius.

According to Sampang, these temperatures not only increase the risk of heatstroke and severe dehydration, but can also lead to respiratory illnesses, kidney disease, and affect children’s emotional well-being and ability to learn and play.

Given these risks, she urged parents and caregivers to take extra precautions.

“When children feel exhausted, stressed, or anxious due to extreme heat, their focus, play, and learning suffer. We must create safe spaces where children can learn and thrive despite the rising temperatures,” Sampang added.

Here are some simple ways to help children cope with extreme heat during the summer break:

• Use child-friendly language to explain the heat, like how birds look for shade; we stay indoors to stay safe.

• Offer reassurance that feeling tired or uncomfortable in the heat is normal, and adults are doing their best to protect them.

• Create cooling corners at home with soft pillows, books, and cold packs where kids can rest when feeling overwhelmed.

• Practice breathing techniques with children like “smell the flower, blow the candle.”

• Encourage self-expression through drawing, storytelling, or talking about their feelings during hot weather.

Previously, the Department of Health urged the public to always keep hydrated and drink seven to eight glasses of clean water every day.

The agency also warned the public against heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which become more prevalent during the dry season.

Among the first aid measures for those experiencing any heat-related illness symptoms include: transferring the person to a cooler or shady area and adjusting the ventilation; removing clothes; and applying a cold compress, ice pack, cold water, or a cold wet cloth to the skin, especially on the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.