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How to talk to children and young people about emergencies and conflicts

Talking about emergencies or conflicts with children and adolescents can be challenging for families, especially when these situations involve negative or frightening aspects, such as death. The overwhelming flow of information from the internet or television often exacerbates the issue. In times of uncertainty, children need the guidance of an adult to understand and process the events.

A 2021 study published in Science concluded that today’s children will face an average of five times more disasters than those who lived 150 years ago. Between 2016 and 2021, climate-related disasters caused 43.1 million internal displacements of children in 44 countries. These events can trigger fear, anxiety, and even emotional trauma, not only from the lived experiences but also from hearing adults’ conversations that revive distressing moments. Children are particularly vulnerable to information they don’t fully understand, which can lead to misunderstandings or exaggerated perceptions of danger.

How to help children cope with disasters

• Validate their emotions
  Create a safe space where children can share their worries, questions, or fears. Ask them what they know, what they have heard, and how they feel. Listen without judgment and without minimizing their emotions, to ensure they feel comfortable talking to adults in the future.

• Use age-appropriate language
  Be honest without overwhelming children with graphic details. Adapt the information to their age and level of understanding. For younger children (3 to 6 years old), explain that the world sometimes experiences confusing events, but there are always people looking out for them. For older children (7 years and older), provide more details, emphasizing that experts are working worldwide to address and resolve such situations.

• Avoid generating fear or uncertainty
  While children need to understand the seriousness of certain situations, avoid exaggerating the danger. Reassure them that while some things are beyond our control, there are always ways to stay safe.

• Develop a family emergency plan
  Provide children with practical tools to help them feel more secure. Teach them safety measures, such as knowing emergency contact numbers, and involve them in creating an emergency plan. Preparing a small emergency kit with essentials like water, a flashlight, and non-perishable food can help them feel more in control. Emphasize that they will never face emergencies alone and that responsible adults will always be there to guide and protect them.

By addressing their emotions honestly and reassuringly, adults can help children develop resilience and confidence in the face of uncertainty.

In 2023, SOS Children's Villages International's Emergency Response Programs provided humanitarian assistance to over 1.9 million people, including around one million children and adolescents, in 38 countries affected by conflicts, natural disasters, or migration. Through 78 initiatives, our efforts focused on ensuring child protection, family reunification, and psychosocial support in the most vulnerable areas. During crises, we provided food, clean water, temporary shelters, and medical support, tailoring our interventions to local needs. We also prioritized mental health care, especially for children, through psychosocial programs, and ensured educational continuity with temporary classrooms.

Our commitment goes beyond immediate response, working long-term to help families rebuild their lives and mitigate the risks threatening the well-being of children and adolescents in highly vulnerable situations.