“Mama, the sound barrier broke,” “Mama, Israel is here,” “I don’t want to go out now; they’ll shoot at us,” and other similar expressions have become common among children in Lebanon, especially following the recent attack on Beirut's southern suburbs by the Israeli forces two weeks ago. This is the reality faced by children in various regions of Lebanon recently. For children in the south and along the border areas, however, they have been dealing with the struggles and devastation of war for around nine months, which has had a significant impact on them.

How can we handle children during times of war?

Although a child’s understanding of war varies with age, child psychologist Riham Mounzer told “Al-Jareeda” that “it is essential to interact with children living through war in ways that address their emotions and reassure them, while emphasizing that their psychological and physical protection is the responsibility of the parents. Should any new developments or dangers arise, the parents will take the necessary steps to protect them.”

She stressed that “parents should try to reassure their children, emphasizing that the Israeli enemy will not come near them, and that the parents are always there to protect them, aiming to ease the fear in their hearts.” Mounzer also emphasized the importance of parents asking their children what they know about the current situation and what they are hearing from those around them, to assess the accuracy of their information and either correct it or confirm it.

Naturally, children absorb a lot of information, whether from watching the news with their parents or browsing social media. Therefore, Mounzer highlighted the importance of “avoiding exposure to news and discussions about war, destruction, and death in front of children, as their brains cannot process this kind of violence. The more children learn about the threat of war, the more anxious they become, hindering their ability to enjoy life and live normally.”

In cases where Israeli aircraft break the sound barrier or there are airstrikes, Mounzer advised “distracting younger children and avoiding showing fear in front of them. For children over the age of five, however, we should explain the reason behind these sounds and how they happen.”

If children ask about airport closures, especially if they are used to traveling with their families or if they’ve been told that leaving the country is a way to escape the war, Mounzer explained that parents should assure their children that even if the airport is closed, there are multiple ways to leave Lebanon, and if they stay, there are also various ways to protect themselves from the Israeli enemy.

Monzer emphasized that “we must not burden children with concerns about their physical safety, and parents should always assure their children that if they sense any danger, they will ensure complete protection for them.”