Recently, Cypriot society has been deeply affected by the state of war in the Middle East, as well as by incidents that leave behind pain, concern, and intense reflection.
The images and information circulated daily impact not only adults but also children. Even if children are not directly experiencing the crisis, they may feel fear, insecurity, or confusion. For this reason, it is very important for parents and educators to understand basic principles on how to manage and support children so that they feel safe, providing them with opportunities to express any unpleasant feelings or concerns.
Reassure them that they are safe:
It is important to assure children that the adults around them are taking all necessary actions to keep them safe at home and/or at school. At the same time, respect and validate any feelings they may have and support them in expressing these in a constructive way. However, avoid guaranteeing that nothing bad will ever happen or making promises that are not realistic.
Be open to discussion:
Show your willingness to discuss the situation and patiently wait until the child feels comfortable talking. Sometimes children do not seek discussion immediately but try to spend more quality time with you. You can limit the information to what directly answers the child’s questions, without including details that might increase emotional stress. Encourage other forms of expression, such as writing or drawing.
Monitor children’s emotional state:
Changes in behavior and appetite, sleep difficulties, or avoidance of school can indicate increased anxiety or distress. This is expected and usually decreases with reassurance, care, and emotional support. If these signs persist or the child appears particularly vulnerable, seek support from a mental health professional.
Maintain a normal routine:
Keep a regular schedule to support physical and mental health. Encourage children to follow their school and extracurricular routines, but do not pressure them if they seem emotionally overwhelmed.
Engage in activities that provide relief:
If a child struggles to follow their usual routine due to negative thoughts about the conflict, participating in shared activities that bring positive feelings can be very helpful and comforting.
Limit exposure to media:
Reduce the viewing of news with sensational headlines that may provoke fear and confusion. Encourage children to engage in daily activities instead of constant access to social media. Be careful in adult conversations around children to avoid sharing inappropriate or emotionally charged information that could cause panic.
Keep explanations developmentally appropriate:
When talking with teenagers, you can provide more details and explain resources they can use for support. With younger children, keep explanations short and simple. In all cases, be ready to answer questions and repeat information multiple times to ensure understanding and reassurance.
Maintain school-family collaboration:
Schools should establish a crisis intervention team to support students, families, and staff as needed. Stay informed through the school about accurate updates when they become available.
These recommendations are provided by the professional team of the “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Centre, which is available 24/7 for further information, guidance, or psychosocial support. You can contact us free of charge by calling the Helpline 1466 or through our online platform at www.uncrcpc.org.cy.
References: Sources from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) were used.
