Reviewed by Mohsen Saidinejad, MD, MS, MBA and Merritt “Chip” Schreiber, PhD
In the face of international conflicts like the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, concerns about safety and well-being escalate, especially for those with family ties to the region. The impact of this will extend to the children internationally, including in the United States, where children may be exposed to graphic images of violence, death, and destruction across online platforms and news media.
Recent events have amplified feelings of shock, pain, disbelief, anxiety, anger, and fear. Families, particularly those with roots in an impacted region, are often concerned about the well-being of their loved ones. Families may also be concerned about the exposure of their children to rising verbal aggression, hate crimes, or threats within their communities and schools in the U.S.
The Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN) has gathered resources, including those from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), to help health care providers, parents and caregivers talk about the current situation with their children, including ways to support them and ways to support others who may be impacted.
Finally, we recognize that many professionals who do this work are not only parents and caregivers but may also be personally impacted by these events. Check in with your colleagues, discuss ways to support them and provide them space to reflect on how these events have impacted them without judgment.
Parents & Caregivers
Guidance from trusted resources is available on how to discuss the current situation with children and support them during these challenging times:
- AAP Healthy Children: How to talk with your child about the Israel-Gaza war
- UNICEF: How to talk with your children about conflict and war
- NCTSN: Talking to children about war
- NCTSN: Age-related reactions to a traumatic event
- SAMHSA: Understanding child trauma
EMS, Medical Professionals & Health care Practitioners
Health care and emergency professionals may be impacted by these traumatic global events. PPN encourages all members of the health care community to check in with colleagues and foster an open dialogue to create a safe space for support and reflection. By empowering providers with the knowledge and tools to effectively support children during these challenging times, we can contribute to their overall well-being.
- AAP Policy Statement: The Effects of Armed Conflict on Children
- NAMI: for Health Care Professionals
- ACEP: Mental Health Resource for Physicians
- AAP: The Management of Children and Youth With Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies
- ACEP: How Physicians, Health Care Workers Can Handle Depression, Burnout, and Suicidal Thoughts
Directly Impacted Families & Individuals
Resources have been developed to aid those who suffered the loss or injury of loved ones due to the conflict, families with members actively involved, and individuals who may find themselves in direct danger.
- AAP Healthy Children: How to Talk About Mental Health With Your Child and Their Pediatrician
- NCTSN: Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas
- Ready.gov: Listen, Protect, Connect: Helping Those Around You in Times of Disaster
- NCTSN: Coping in Hard Times: Fact Sheet for Parents, Youth, and School Personnel
- NCTSN: Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tip for Educators
- NCTSN: Helping Children with Traumatic Grief: Young Children, School-Age Children, and Teens