As the ongoing US-Iran conflict dominates global headlines, a large number of children are being exposed to frightening words such as 'missiles', 'attacks', 'death', and 'war'. Mental health experts say such terrifying events can affect a child's emotional well-being, even when the conflict is unfolding far away.
Rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States have pushed the world into a period of uncertainty, with constant news updates and disturbing visuals stealing peace of mind. Experts warn that such global conflicts do not only unsettle adults, but can also lead to fear, confusion, and anxiety in children who are exposed to these conversations and images every day.
War is something that even adults often struggle to understand, and for children, the emotional impact can be even greater. Constant exposure to news alerts, social media updates, and conversations at home can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. Visuals of bombing, missiles, people running frantically, crying, pleading, and getting injured can induce anxiety in children.
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Psychologist and psychotherapist Dhara Ghuntla, an independent practitioner affiliated with Sujay Hospital, 7 Hills Hospital, Criticare Hospital and Stylise, said children may begin to show signs of distress in many ways. "Many children can feel nervous, stressed, have headaches, gut issues, sleep problems, or have many unanswered questions in their minds," she told NDTV Profit.
She added that completely avoiding the topic of war can make matters worse. If adults do not discuss it at all, children may feel more worried and lonely. They may assume that adults are hiding something from them, or fear that the conflict could spread to their own country or nearby regions.
How To Talk To Your Child About War
What Can Parents Do?
Dr. Shruti Ghataliya, Pediatrician at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai told NDTV Profit, "The ongoing war can be distressing for the child. Hence, parents should use simple, calm words when it comes to explaining the child about war. Reassure them they are safe and protected. Avoid too many scary details like visuals of bombings on TV. Explain to them that measures are being taken to bring peace and stop the war. Stay patient, listen carefully, and give comfort through hugs, and calm down the child."
Even Ghuntla suggests some tips for parents to reassure their kids, according to their age:
Explain the conflict in simple language: Children do not need complicated political explanations. Keep the explanation short and age-appropriate so it does not overwhelm them.
Don't expose them to disturbing news: Spend some quality time with children. Opt for activities such as painting, music, dance, and indoor games instead of watching news of destruction, explosions, or injured people on TV or social media. It is necessary to discourage children from watching frightening news or graphics alone.
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Motivate the child to speak their mind and share feelings: Some children may become suddenly quiet, irritable, or anxious when they hear about war. Encourage them to express themselves, let them vent out. Be gentle, have patience, and explain to children that they can come and talk to you whenever they feel anxious.
Focus on kindness and hope: Even though war is going on, explain to children about how people are helping each other during a crisis. The doctors, rescue teams, volunteers, and peace workers are there for the people.
Children do not need ideal explanations about war. What they require is reassurance, honesty, and support. When parents talk openly, listen patiently, and respond with empathy, then kids will feel safe.
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