"Noise Pollution in Schools: A Growing Threat to Children’s Learning and Well-being"

Photo by Yan Krukau- Pexels

Noise pollution is an increasing concern, negatively impacting cognitive learning in UK schools.

The World Health Organisation's 2010 guidelines for community noise recommend keeping classroom noise levels below 35 decibels to ensure optimal teaching and learning conditions.

Julia Maskery MBE, Neurological Occupational Therapist, discusses the concept of Human Regulation, explaining that constant exposure to noise stimuli requires the brain to regulate this input. If the brain cannot adapt to these sounds, it can lead to overstimulation, heightened reactivity, and stress.

Maskery highlights that children with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and anxiety often have heightened sensitivities to sound, making them more prone to intense reactions and difficulty coping with noisy environments. 

She explains that consistent exposure to noise in the classroom can lead to cognitive impairments, disrupting a child's ability to concentrate, process information, and fully engage in learning. This, in turn, can negatively impact both academic performance and overall well-being. 

Advocating for change, Maskery calls for the creation of quieter classroom environments that allow children to learn without the added stress of noise disruption.

A 2022 report in the Islington Gazette confirms that thirteen school streets, initially trialled in Islington, will become permanent after proving successful in reducing pollution.

Councillor Rowena Champion remarked, "Our School Streets are essential in our fight against climate change. Studies also show that active travel can boost a child’s concentration by up to four hours, highlighting the positive impact School Streets have on young people’s learning."

Depending on your location, you can contact your local council to report noise complaints, raise concerns about noise pollution, or suggest new initiatives to help reduce its effects.