The Psychology of Children: Between Long and Short Wars.

Continuous Academic Research on Childhood and War

Academic research on childhood and war, and the impact of exposure to violence during childhood on mental health, is ongoing. Researchers and scholars broadly agree that exposure to violence during childhood is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders in adulthood.

The more severe or prolonged the exposure to violence, the higher the risk of developing mental health issues. The impact of violence on mental health is also stronger in girls than in boys. The findings highlight the importance of preventing violence against children and early intervention to help affected children. Exposure to violence in childhood is a significant risk factor for developing mental health problems in adulthood. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent violence against children and provide support for affected children. This is what we strive to do at the Syrian Future Movement (SFM) through our offices in northern Syria and the Tawad Educational Schools, focusing on the life of the Syrian child.

Psychological Impact of Long Wars on Children

War is one of the harshest experiences children can endure, leaving deep and lasting psychological effects on their health and development. Some psychological effects of war on children include:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A common mental disorder among people who have experienced traumatic events such as war. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, and avoidance of situations that remind them of the war.
2. Depression: A persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Depression can affect sleep, appetite, concentration, and may lead to suicidal thoughts.
3. Behavioral Disorders: Children exposed to war may become more aggressive, rebellious, or reckless, and may also struggle with following rules and instructions.

Many children exposed to war have difficulty concentrating and paying attention in school and may struggle with remembering information and learning new material.

Children exposed to war also face challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships with others. They may become isolated, quick to anger, or bully others.

In addition to these psychological effects, long-term war can also impact children’s physical health. Children exposed to war may suffer from malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and growth problems.

It’s important to note that not all children are affected by war in the same way. The impact depends on several factors, such as the child’s age (younger children are more vulnerable to psychological issues), the duration of exposure to war (the longer the exposure, the higher the risk of psychological problems), the intensity of exposure, and the presence of social support networks like family and friends that help children cope with their war experiences.

Psychological Support Factors

Several factors can help mitigate the psychological impact of long wars on children. Humans have the unique ability to face and overcome their fears and problems, regardless of age or circumstances. The following factors can help alleviate the psychological effects of long wars on children:

• Receiving Psychological Care: Providing psychological care from qualified professionals.
• Appropriate Education: Offering education that meets their needs, as we strive to do in Tawad Educational Schools in northern Syria.
• Social Support: Children exposed to war should receive social support from their families and communities to help them overcome the effects of long wars.
• Safe and Stable Environment: Building a safe and stable environment and ending the war is the ultimate goal, solution, and prevention.

With appropriate support, children affected by war can recover from their experiences and become productive members of their communities. A 2023 study titled “Effects of War on Children’s Mental Health in Syria” found that children living in war zones in Syria suffer from high rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. There are no positive psychological effects of war on children. War is a harsh and destructive experience for both young and old, causing numerous psychological problems, and no positive experience can compensate for the harm inflicted by war on children.

Psychological Treatment for War-Affected Children

Treating the psychological effects of war on children is challenging and complex, but it is essential to ensure they have a chance to recover from their traumatic experiences and build a better future. Key psychological treatment methods for children include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An effective treatment for children suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Play Therapy: A valuable method for helping young children express and process their emotions.
• Family Therapy: Helps families cope with trauma and develop coping skills.

Social Support through:

• Providing a safe and stable environment, as feeling safe is crucial for children’s recovery from trauma.
• Building positive relationships with supportive and trustworthy adults helps children feel secure and stable, aiding in their recovery from long-term war’s psychological effects.
• Participation in community activities helps children feel a sense of belonging and support, which we strive to facilitate in Tawad Schools at the Syrian Future Movement (SFM).

Education through:

• Offering education that meets children’s needs to help them feel stable and return to normal life.
• Psychological support programs in schools that provide counseling and psychological support for children affected by war.

Healthcare through:

• Providing comprehensive healthcare for children, including physical and mental health care.
• Ensuring good nutrition, which is essential for both physical and mental health. Parents should be educated about healthy food choices, and the Family Affairs Office aims to raise awareness about its importance.

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating the psychological effects of war on children. Treatment plans should be tailored to each child’s individual needs. With the right care and support, children affected by war can recover from their traumatic experiences and become productive members of their communities.

Finally, the Family Affairs Office does what it can within the available resources to assist our children who are suffering from the prolonged war and its repercussions and effects. We extend our hands to anyone who shares this goal with us. We also recommend increased attention to psychological clinics, especially for children, as they are the foundation of our Syrian future (SFM).

Wahiba Al-Masri
Family Affairs Office
Research and Studies Department
Articles
Syrian Future Movement (SFM)