Beyond Vulnerable Victims: How Kids Can Help During Disasters

Drawing on research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Lori Peek’s work challenges the common portrayal of children solely as vulnerable victims. Instead, it highlights how young people actively contribute to disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Her research analyzed 115 news stories documenting how children across the United States helped others during the pandemic. The study identified a wide range of altruistic actions, from making and distributing supplies, raising money and cooking meals to offering emotional support, tutoring peers and participating in public health campaigns. Children frequently directed their efforts toward vulnerable groups such as older adults, healthcare workers and families facing economic hardship.

The lecture will examine what motivates children to act during crises and how these experiences may build disaster literacy and awareness of social inequality. A Q&A session, networking opportunity and light refreshments will follow the talk.

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Host or Publisher The Institute of Behavioral Science at CU Boulder