Children's Health, Wellbeing and Academic Outcomes over the Summer Holidays: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND

The school day provides a supportive and stimulating environment that may protect children and adolescents (5-18 years) from behaviours that are adverse for health and wellbeing.

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature regarding changes in children's academic achievement or overall wellbeing during the extended school summer break and evaluate if the outcomes are different for children experiencing disadvantage.

METHODS

The peer-reviewed literature was searched across six electronic databases for studies tracking changes in any academic, health or wellbeing outcome in children over the summer holidays. Studies were screened in duplicate for inclusion. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form. Outcomes were coded as decline (suggestive or significant), increase (suggestive or significant) or mixed/neutral and then compared to the school year or according to disadvantaged.

RESULTS

Seventy-six studies (

CONCLUSIONS

Over the summer break, children's academic and health outcomes decline. Children experiencing disadvantage display magnified losses that warrant further investigation. The summer holidays present an opportunity to improve children's health and wellbeing.