Designing Child-Inclusive Disaster Management for Critical Infrastructure Failure

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of children's vulnerability in disaster situations and approaches to incorporating children into disaster management systems. Children possess vulnerabilities in disaster contexts due to their physiological, developmental, and psychological characteristics, yet current disaster management systems insufficiently reflect these specificities. This research proposes a theoretical framework for child-centered disaster management across four phases: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, while comparatively analyzing international cases from the United States, Japan, European Union, and Australia. Analysis of Korea's child-inclusive disaster management reveals critical constraints including formalistic approaches to safety education, absence of child-specific statistical frameworks, adult-centric relief systems, limitations in psychological support, and fragmented governance. The study suggests policy implications for developing child-centered disaster management systems in Korea that leverage technological infrastructure and educational institutions while harmonizing with international practices.