What extra precautions apply to children?

The SMA Extreme Heat Risk and Response Guidelines (2025) say it is currently unclear whether heat stress risk is truly elevated in children.

The SMA hot weather page adds that children aged about 10 to 16 are not at greater physiological risk of heat illness than adults, but may respond differently to heat behaviourally, for example by not recognising warning signs. It says organisers should err on the side of caution, and that future updates are expected to add junior-sport adjustments.