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From Website: “It’s a widespread problem at schools in cities around the world, and now a new study has warned that noise pollution can affect children’s memory (stock image)” https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10878105/Children-attend-schools-traffic-noise-worse-memory-study-warns.html

Noise pollution affects people of all ages, but it disproportionately affects children. Children and adolescents who are exposed to noise from traffic, construction, and airplanes consistently perform worse academically and have low cognitive test scores (Fernández-Quezada et al.). Noise pollution is an issue that affects people across the globe. According to an article by the European Environmental Agency, “Living in an area affected by transport noise is associated with an increased risk of developing a wide range of health issues, including cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health diseases” (EEA). Environmental disruptions are not merely an annoyance, but instead cause chronic stress that has long-term impacts on psychological well-being. Vulnerable populations, like children and adolescents, are at greater risk for developing symptoms resulting from urban noises like road work and train whistles. Over time, repeated exposure to these environmental stressors can interfere with concentration, cognitive development, and emotional regulation. Though noise pollution is invisible, it is a significant stressor that should be recognized for its contributions to the rising mental health crisis.

References

Fernández-Quezada, D., et al. “The Influence of Noise Exposure on Cognitive Function in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2025. PubMed Central.

European Environment Agency. “The Effect of Environmental Noise on Children’s Reading Ability and Behavior in Europe.” European Environment Agency. Dec. 12