Concrete measures to protect and support young minds exposed to armed conflict.
In situations of armed conflict or violent events, children are among the most vulnerable. They are exposed to traumatic experiences that can have lasting repercussions on their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Yet measures can be taken to protect and support these young minds. Here are key strategies to prevent or mitigate psycho-traumatic impact in children.
Why: children feel safe when they can predict what is going to happen. A daily routine — meals, play, sleep — helps anchor them in a reassuring normality, reducing their anxiety.
How: create simple rituals around meals or bedtime, even in times of crisis. For example, reading a story before sleep or sharing a moment of family conversation.
Why: children often struggle to verbalise their emotions, especially when traumatised. Encouraging them to express their feelings — through words, drawings, play — can help externalise their fears and avoid emotional repression.
How: ask open questions such as: “What did you feel today?” Reassure them by validating their emotions: “It’s normal to feel sad or angry.”
Why: a space where the child feels safe is crucial to allow them to process their emotions. A calm environment helps stabilise their emotional state.
How: set up “comfort zones” where the child can take refuge when feeling overwhelmed, with reassuring objects such as soft toys or blankets. Make sure they feel physically and emotionally protected.
Why: over-exposure to violent images and accounts can reinforce trauma, especially if the child is constantly confronted with shocking information.
How: avoid children being exposed to media containing images of war or violence. Prefer explaining the situation in age-appropriate words, rather than letting them discover reality through traumatic images.
Why: children need to understand what is happening around them, but in a way suited to their developmental level. Information that is too complex or too raw can reinforce their fears.
How: use simple words and appropriate metaphors. For young children: “There are people who disagree and are arguing. We are doing everything to stay safe.” For older ones, offer more detailed explanations while respecting their emotional capacity.
Why: the presence of a reliable, caring adult is a major protective factor against trauma in children. Closeness and steady attention help them feel safe.
How: be physically present as much as possible. Listen actively to what the child expresses, without minimising their feelings. Gestures of affection — hugs, holding hands — can strengthen their sense of protection.
Why: involving children in positive, creative activities can strengthen their resistance by giving them a sense of achievement and normality.
How: organise games, crafts, or entrust them with simple tasks where they can feel useful. This allows them to regain some control over their environment.
Why: separation from attachment figures considerably increases the risk of trauma. Maintaining strong affective bonds helps protect the child.
How: avoid, as far as possible, separations between the child and their loved ones. If unavoidable, make sure the child understands what is happening and knows when they will see their loved ones again. Use symbolic objects to maintain the bond, such as a family photo or a letter.
Why: children absorb the emotions of the adults around them. If parents or carers are overwhelmed by stress or trauma, this directly affects the children.
How: help adults manage their own stress (support groups, psychological support, relaxation techniques). An emotionally stable adult is a key asset for the child.
Why: some children show signs of trauma that require professional care. Therapeutic follow-up can be crucial to their recovery.
How: if the child shows persistent signs of anxiety, nightmares, aggression or withdrawal, consult a psychologist specialising in childhood trauma.
Why: helping children organise and structure their experience fosters better integration of events and reduces the risk of uncontrolled flashbacks.
How: encourage them to recount, in their own words, what they understood or felt. Use supports such as puppets, illustrated stories or games to help them verbalise their experience in a less direct way.
Preventing trauma in children rests above all on emotional and relational safety.
By making sure the child feels heard, protected and surrounded by stable adults, we can mitigate the impact of traumatic events. These strategies, though simple, have a significant long-term impact, strengthening children’s resilience in the face of the ordeals they are going through.
Doumit, Y. (2024). 11 strategies to prevent psychological trauma in children during wartime. Complexe Systémique. https://www.complexe-systemique.com
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