In a world where nearly one in five children lives in areas affected by conflict, UNICEF has issued updated guidance to help parents and caregivers talk to their children about war and violence in a reassuring and age-appropriate way.
The guidance outlines eight essential approaches: start open conversations, remain calm, tailor explanations to the child’s age, verify facts together, avoid blaming groups, highlight positive actions by humanitarian workers, provide ways for children to help, and limit media exposure. UNICEF also emphasizes the importance of parents caring for their mental health to support their children better.
These tips come amid growing global concerns. According to UNICEF’s latest data, approximately 473 million children worldwide are living in conflict zones — the highest figure since the Second World War. In 2023 alone, over 33,000 grave violations against children in armed conflict were documented, a staggering rise compared to previous years. These include killings, abductions, sexual violence, and attacks on schools and hospitals.
Experts such as pediatric psychologist Amanda Abel stress that children are often more aware of world events than parents assume. They may overhear news reports or pick up on adult conversations and anxiety. Abel advises parents to begin with gentle questions about what the child has already heard, then offer simple, truthful responses without unnecessary detail. Reassuring children about their safety and validating their feelings are key steps in protecting emotional well-being.
The guidance further encourages offering children a sense of agency. This can be through small but meaningful actions such as drawing pictures, writing letters of peace, or helping fundraise for humanitarian causes. Giving children ways to express their concern helps channel anxiety into compassion and resilience.
UNICEF also calls on parents to monitor signs of emotional distress. Changes in sleeping habits, appetite, mood swings, or clinginess may indicate a child is struggling to cope with the stress of ongoing violence in the world. Continued dialogue, coupled with careful media management, can help children make sense of troubling events without being overwhelmed.
The larger global picture underscores the urgency of such support. Children in conflict areas — from Gaza to Sudan to Ukraine — face not only immediate threats but also long-term psychological trauma. Many live with ongoing disruptions to education, family life, and basic security.
As war and displacement continue to affect millions of young lives, UNICEF’s message is clear: talking with children openly and gently is a critical form of protection. It fosters emotional security, builds resilience, and helps young minds understand a complex world with clarity and compassion.