How to talk to children about global conflicts

When images and videos of the latest conflict consume the news and our social feeds, it can feel overwhelming and unsettling, and the constant stream of information can take a toll on our mental health.

These events can be even more confusing and frightening for children and young people who are still learning to make sense of the world. They may struggle to understand why certain things are happening and they might imagine scenarios that are even scarier than reality.

Young people will naturally have questions – some that may be difficult to answer – but having a conversation with them, even if you don't have all the answers, can help ease their worries and provide the reassurance they need.

In Gaza, children attend a puppet show – an engaging and child-friendly method to teach children how to recognise, avoid, and report dangerous objects. This approach empowers children and families with lifesaving knowledge, helping reduce the risk of injury and strengthening community safety.

Make time for the conversation and listen to their concerns 

Whether it's the war in Ukraine, Gaza or the escalating conflict in the Middle East, start by inviting your child to talk about what they've heard or engage with them when they bring it up. Evidence suggests that having a supportive discussion about a stressful event can decrease distress. 

Find out how much they already know and follow their lead. Ensure you are in a safe environment and allow your child to talk freely and honestly. Drawing, stories and other activities may help to open a discussion. 

Most importantly, don't minimise or avoid their concerns. Be sure to acknowledge their feelings and assure them that it's natural to feel scared about these things. Demonstrate that you're listening by giving them your full attention, and make sure they understand that they can talk to you whenever they like. 

In Sudan, attacks on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps for internally displaced people forced children and families to flee with no food, no shelter and a lack of basic necessities for survival.

Be honest: explain the truth in a child-friendly way 

Young people have a right to truthful information about what's happening in the world, but adults are also responsible for keeping them safe from distress. Use age-appropriate language, watch their reactions, and be sensitive to their level of anxiety. 

If you don't know the answers, that's okay. Depending on their age, you can use it as a time to find answers together. Our UNICEF Youth pages have a selection of child-friendly explainers you can use or tune into child-friendly news, such as Behind The News and KidsNews.  

Child-friendly explainers

In Gaza, Khitam is with her children as she talks about her 12-year-old son Mohammed, whose foot was amputated after being hit by shrapnel.

Be conscious of what your child is being exposed to 

It might be a morning or evening routine to have the news on at home, but images of injured people, destroyed homes and families fleeing can be distressing and explicit and stay with children long after they see them. 

Be aware of what your young person sees online, on TV or via their friends. Putting child safeguard settings in place on shared computers can be a good idea to limit results that come up if they are searching for answers. 

In Ukraine, eight-year-old Myroslava stands in front of a bombed-out apartment block, one of several damaged in a missile strike. One night, Myroslava was in bed when explosions shattered her home. Her mother rushed her to safety behind two walls before the balcony windows blew out from the blast.

Reassure them with your normal family routines  

When we're seeing lots of troubling images on TV or online, it can sometimes feel like the crisis is all around us. Children may not distinguish between images on screen and their own personal reality, and they may believe they're in imminent danger.  

You can help your young person cope with the stress by making opportunities for them to play and relax, when possible. Keep regular routines and schedules as much as possible, especially before they go to sleep, or help create new ones in a new environment. 

Children receive the polio vaccines in Gaza as part of the UNICEF-supported polio vaccination campaign.

Let them know that kind and dedicated people are doing everything they can to help 

It’s important for children to know that people are helping each other with acts of kindness and generosity. Reminding children that there are forces for good in the world is important to help them feel protected and safe.  

Letting them know that organisations like UNICEF exist especially to protect and deliver emergency support to children who are scared or living in dangerous places can settle some of their fears. 

In Syria, Yahia, who is now 13 years old, lost his legs at the age of six when a shell exploded near his house. — In Syria, 13-year-old Yahia lost his legs at six when a shell exploded near his house. The trauma he endured was not only physical but emotional. With the help of UNICEF, Yahia is receiving psychosocial support and attending a school that can better support his needs.

Encourage compassion and understanding for all people

Conflict can often bring with it prejudice and discrimination. When talking to your children, avoid labels like "bad people" or "evil" and instead use it as an opportunity to encourage compassion for everyone who is affected. 

Your children might have friends who have connections to people on both sides of the conflict or have a direct connection themselves. Check that your children are not experiencing or contributing to bullying. If they have been called names or bullied at school, encourage them to tell you or an adult they trust. 

Remind your children that everyone deserves to feel safe at school and in society. Bullying and discrimination are always wrong, and we should each do our part to spread kindness and support each other. 

In Ukraine, 10-year-old Andrii embraces his mother in their kitchen. After losing his father last winter, Andrii has had to navigate life without him.

Take care of yourself 

You can help your kids better if you're coping, too. Children will pick up on your response to the news, so it helps them know you're calm and in control. 

If you’re feeling anxious or upset, take time for yourself and reach out to other family, friends and trusted people in your community. Make some time to do things that help you relax and recuperate. 

In Sudan, most of the children have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the ongoing war, including violent scenes that no child should ever see. — In Sudan, sadness, fear, and hopelessness overwhelm most of the children – many have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the ongoing war, including violent scenes that no child should ever see.

Offer them a practical way you can help as a family

Taking action as a family can help to reassure your young person that they have done something to help the people or situation they are worried about. 

This can be as simple as drawing a picture, writing to a decision maker or organise a fundraising event for the emergency. This can help them to feel like they have done something good to help the situation. 

In Lebanon, 10-year-old Jawad's family lost their home in the war, and they rely on agriculture to survive. The conflict damaged the area's only water supply, making their situation more challenging. — In Lebanon, 10-year-old Jawad's family lost their home in the war, and they rely on agriculture to survive. Still, the conflict damaged the area's only water supply, making their situation more challenging.

Close conversations with care 

It’s important to know that we’re not leaving children in a state of distress. As your conversation wraps up, try to gauge their level of anxiety by watching their body language, considering whether they’re using their usual tone of voice and watching their breathing. 

Remind your children that they can have other difficult conversations with you anytime. Remind them that you care, you're listening, and you're available whenever they're worried. 

If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out to Kids HelpLine at any time on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, fighting has closed more than 2,500 schools since the beginning of 2025. Jospin, a seven-year-old student, proudly holds his new school kit at the UNICEF-supported primary school.

How UNICEF supports children during conflict  

During conflict, children often have limited access to healthcare, clean water and shelter. Children are more vulnerable to life-threatening forms of malnutrition and preventable diseases, and millions of school-aged children miss out on their right to an education.  

Our teams act quickly to deliver clean water and essential medical supplies to prevent malnutrition and illness. We help new mothers give birth safely and provide lifesaving vaccines to protect children from deadly disease outbreaks.  

Helping communities recover also means creating safe spaces for children so that they can continue to learn and play, providing innovative tents for children and families to shelter in, and providing psychosocial support to help children process and cope with their changing world. 

Learn about UNICEF’s role during conflicts