When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary.
– Fred Rogers, American television host, 1928-2003

Thanks to Exchange author and anti-bias educator Veronika Vicqueneau (she/her), UC Irvine, for sharing her concern and approach for children affected by war and media violence:

In times of disarray, when the world is divided by politics and wars, and the media continues to shower news about how many people were killed, injured, or are starving, it is time to talk. Children hear this sad news from conversations at home, at school, and other sources. They try to make sense of the world and rely on adults for clarifications. Silence is hurtful.

Listening to what children say, learning about the source of their information and asking how they feel about it is essential. A humanistic approach can help us to have brave conversations.

Children’s Rights

All children have rights, to safety, food, shelter, care, medical attention, and education.

When countries fight for political reasons, they are taking these rights away. Is it fair?

Empathy

Discussing war’s impact on children promotes compassion. War forces children to leave their homes, separates them from families, and exposes them to hunger, injury, and loss of education.

All children in the world deserve to be safe at home, at school and in their society. During a war, children are not safe. Is it fair?

Helping

Emphasizing humanitarian actions during war fosters hope and resilience. Encouraging children to brainstorm solutions promotes societal betterment.

In war, children need protection, health care, food, clean water, shelter, hygiene, and education. Who helps, and how can we assist?

Advocacy

Educators should teach peaceful conflict resolution and humanitarian perspectives, mirroring the courage of those aiding children in war.

Resources

• Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves, 2nd edition (2020) National Association for the Education of Young Children.
• The Convention on the Rights of the Child: The children’s version
• How to Talk to Your Children about Conflict and War