Psychological support for kids in crises builds a resilient generation

KUWAIT CITY, April 9: The importance of strengthening psychological awareness and stability for children is increasing in crises and wars, given the psychological pressures and behavioral impacts these conditions impose, which may affect their development, emotional and social balance. Specialists told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that children were the most affected group during emergencies due to their incomplete emotional and psychological maturity, making them more vulnerable to fear, anxiety and behavioral disorders compared to adults.

They added that creating a safe environment for children in such circumstances requires coordination among families, educational and health institutions, along with the role of relevant authorities in providing psychological support and awareness, helping reduce negative effects and enhance feelings of reassurance and stability. Dr. Wa’el Abu Al-Ezz, Head Psychotherapist at the Kuwait Center for Mental Health and member of the Child Protection Team, told KUNA crises and wars leave direct psychological effects on children.

“In the short term, these appear as fear, anxiety, sleep disturbances and increased attachment to parents, especially when hearing alarm sounds,” he said. He added that these effects may develop in the long term into anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder if early intervention is absent, negatively impacting the child’s concentration, academic performance and social relationships. He explained that there were behavioral indicators families should monitor, such as sudden changes in behavior, loss of appetite, anger or crying episodes, social withdrawal and regression such as bedwetting or reverting to earlier behaviors.

He noted that treatment relies on scientific interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy, with the necessity of involving the family as the child’s primary support system, alongside the importance of coordinated roles between the family, school and health institutions to provide a safe and stable environment. For his part, Dr. Abdulrahman Al- Falah, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the College of Social Sciences at Kuwait University, stated to KUNA children were more affected by crises than adults because they were still in a stage of emotional development and have not yet fully developed the ability to understand events or regulate their emotions.

Al-Falah explained that differences in children’s responses depend on several factors: age, personality, family environment and the intensity of exposure to events, noting that a supportive family significantly reduces psychological impact and enhances feelings of safety. He added that fostering a sense of tranquility in children depended on simple practices such as maintaining calm, sticking to daily routines, emotional communication, reducing exposure to negative news and providing simplified, age-appropriate information.

He also explained that psychological resilience is built gradually by teaching children to express their feelings and training them in calming techniques such as deep breathing, as well as engaging in positive activities, emphasizing that resilience means the ability to deal with fear healthily.

Meanwhile, Mariam Al-Bloushi, Senior Social Specialist at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the importance of enhancing stability and psychological safety among learners, especially children, during crises and wars. She noted that such conditions directly affect students’ behavior, where anger and emotional reactions may appear due to psychological pressures. Crises could also affect academic performance through poor concentration, distraction, lack of attention and lower achievement, noted Al-Bloushi, adding” These effects are natural under current circumstances and require continuous psychological and educational support.” She explained that the Ministry of Education placed great importance on this aspect by developing educational, social and psychological strategies, and providing social and psychological specialists to support affected students. Al-Bloushi pointed out that the Ministry has provided the electronic platform “Estashir” (Consult), supervised by a group of specialized national professionals in social and psychological fields, ensuring access to counselling and the provision of psychological and social support. “This helps assist students in overcoming various challenges confidentially and contributes to enhancing their psychological balance and sense of safety and stability during this period,” said Al-Baloushi. She appreciated efforts of teachers in implementing educational strategies through distance learning.

Al-Baloushi concluded with a message to every family in the country: “mental health is no longer optional but a necessity for maintaining balance and stability. It is one of the most important responsibilities of families in building a strong, confident generation capable of taking responsibility and contributing to the progress of Kuwait.” (KUNA)