As hostilities escalate in the Middle East and the wider region, children may see and hear about the conflict in the news or in real life, leading to feelings of anxiety and fear, and needing parents’ and caregivers’ support.

Save the Children’s Global Head of Child Protection, Rebecca Smith, said children may have questions about the images, stories, and conversations they see and hear. Children living in countries directly impacted may have very real fears about being forced from their homes, missing school, and the safety of their loved ones, friends, and homes. For many, there may also be the memories of previous displacement and conflict.

Save the Children's research into the impact of conflict on children has found heartbreaking accounts of children terrified by the shelling and airstrikes, anxious about the future, and distraught at not being able to go to school. Most children showed signs of severe emotional distress, including nightmares and behavioural changes.

Save the Children staff have reported how children’s routines have been massively disrupted with schools closed, children sleeping on the floor in friends' and relatives’ houses, and parents using white noise to help their children sleep, and explaining why they cannot go outside to play.  

Rebecca Smith said:

“What is happening across the Middle East and the wider region is frightening for both children and adults.  We are hearing stories of families in the region being displaced from their homes in the middle of the night, taking shelter in nearby schools and public buildings. Schools are being closed in countries across the region, and families are taping windows preventatively for fear of shrapnel or blast damage.

“For some children where missiles are now visible in the skies, this might be an entirely new and terrifying experience. When events like this happen, they disrupt a child and family’s sense of safety. What once felt stable and secure may suddenly feel uncertain. Caregivers and older children may have already experienced this before, triggering past distress. Ignoring or avoiding the topic of conflict can lead to children feeling lost, alone and scared, which can affect their physical and mental health and wellbeing. It is essential to have open and honest conversations with children to help them process what is happening.”  

Experts at Save the Children share five tools and tips that caregivers can use to approach the conversation with children:  

1. Make time and listen when your child wants to talk

Give children the space to tell you what they know, how they feel, and to ask questions. They may have formed a completely different picture of the situation than you have. Take the time to listen to what they think, and what they have seen or heard. Reassure them, while being honest, addressing any misinformation or inaccuracies in an age-appropriate way. Remind them that it is okay to feel scared or worried and that many adults also feel this way too.

2. Tailor the conversation to the child  

Be mindful of the child’s age as you approach the conversation with them. Young children may not understand what conflict or war means and require an age-appropriate explanation. Be careful not to over-explain the situation or go into too much detail as this can make children unnecessarily anxious. Younger children may be satisfied just by understanding that sometimes countries fight. Older children are more likely to understand what is happening, but may still benefit from talking with you about the situation. In fact, older children will often be more concerned by talk of war because they tend to understand the dangers better than younger children do.  

3. Validate their feelings:

It is important that children feel supported in conversation. They should not feel judged or have their concerns dismissed. When children have the chance to have an open and honest conversation about things that upset them, it can create a sense of relief and safety.    

4. Correct misinformation in a calm and supportive way

Help children understand that not all information sources are trustworthy. Explain the difference between verified news from trusted, well-known organisations and posts on social media or sensationalist websites that may not be accurate. Remind them that sharing distressing images or unverified information can spread fear and confusion. Caregivers can play a key role in modelling responsible digital behaviour, encouraging children not to circulate harmful or graphic material, and reminding them to pause before sharing content that may be inaccurate or emotionally triggering.  

5. Make and discuss a Family Safety Plan:

If you are in a place that feels unsafe, talk with your child about what to do if you become separated. Make sure they know important information like your full name, phone number, and where to meet if you cannot find each other right away. Keep the plan simple and practice it calmly so it feels reassuring, not scary. For younger children, consider writing key details on a small card or bracelet. Keep copies of important documents and contact details in a safe place, and if possible, back them up digitally. Explain to your child that if you are separated, the safest thing to do is to stay where they are and seek help from a trusted adult, such as a teacher, community leader, or aid worker. Practice the plan calmly so it feels reassuring rather than frightening.