the gaza genocide: 6 Ways to Protect Children's Mental Health

As much as we would love to protect our children from traumatic incidents, it’s not always possible to do so.

Whether they are directly affected by the genocide in Gaza through the grief of family members, or witnesses to the trauma through the media, doing what you can to support their mental health is of utmost importance. Here are some strategies to help safeguard their mental well-being:

emphasise safety

Reassure your child that they are safe and that their immediate environment is not under threat.

Create a physical space within your home where your child can seek refuge during moments of fear or stress, and provide their favourite items, such as toys, blankets, or books, in this safe space.

Support Creative expression

Encourage children to express their emotions through art, writing, or other creative activities. This can be a therapeutic outlet, and a positive distraction.

validate emotions

Let children know that it’s normal to feel sad, scared, or confused when witnessing such events. Encourage them to voice their emotions and ask questions. This teaches them to express themselves and seek support when needed.

encourage empathy and perspective

Teach empathy by helping them see the perspective of children in the affected areas. Providing a loving and supportive environment at home can also help with encouraging your child to be more compassionate and understanding.

limit screen time

Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can negatively affect mental health - especially when there is a strong chance that they will come across disturbing images and videos.

Be aware of what your child is exposed to, and set appropriate limits, whilst encouraging other activities, such as creative or physical activity.

seek professional help

If your child’s distress persists or intensifies, consider consulting a mental health professional who specialises in child psychology or trauma.

Keep an eye out for signs of distress, such as prolonged sleep disturbances, withdrawal, or anxiety.

Witnessing images and videos of the genocide in Gaza can be extremely traumatic and unsettling for children, so protecting your child's mental health is a critical and challenging task. It's important to be patient, empathetic, and responsive to your child's needs, whilst maintaining hope and resilience.