Emergency fund for Ukraine: 45,000 people need us

How does growing up in a safe environment impact a child’s development?

True happiness is built daily by creating spaces where children can express themselves, explore, and learn without fear. A safe environment—both physically and emotionally—is essential.

A physically safe space includes access to a stable home, clean water, electricity, and safe play areas. Emotionally, it means growing up surrounded by love, respect, and stability. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasizes protecting children from abuse, neglect, and violence.

Families can foster safety at home by setting clear boundaries, encouraging empathy, promoting resilience, and offering emotional stability through routines and open communication.

Unfortunately, not all children grow up in secure environments. In 2023, over 300,000 children in Spain were at risk of losing parental care, and more than 50,000 lived in alternative care. These children face increased risks like anxiety, poor academic performance, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.

Early intervention is key. Organizations like SOS Children’s Villages provide safe, family-like environments where children are protected, supported, and empowered to thrive.

How to talk to children and young people about emergencies and conflicts

Talking about emergencies or conflicts with children and adolescents can be challenging for families, especially when these situations involve negative or frightening aspects, such as death. The overwhelming flow of information from the internet or television often exacerbates the issue. In times of uncertainty, children need the guidance of an adult to understand and process the events.

A 2021 study published in Science concluded that today’s children will face an average of five times more disasters than those who lived 150 years ago. Between 2016 and 2021, climate-related disasters caused 43.1 million internal displacements of children in 44 countries. These events can trigger fear, anxiety, and even emotional trauma, not only from the lived experiences but also from hearing adults’ conversations that revive distressing moments. Children are particularly vulnerable to information they don’t fully understand, which can lead to misunderstandings or exaggerated perceptions of danger.

How to help children cope with disasters

• Validate their emotions
  Create a safe space where children can share their worries, questions, or fears. Ask them what they know, what they have heard, and how they feel. Listen without judgment and without minimizing their emotions, to ensure they feel comfortable talking to adults in the future.

• Use age-appropriate language
  Be honest without overwhelming children with graphic details. Adapt the information to their age and level of understanding. For younger children (3 to 6 years old), explain that the world sometimes experiences confusing events, but there are always people looking out for them. For older children (7 years and older), provide more details, emphasizing that experts are working worldwide to address and resolve such situations.

• Avoid generating fear or uncertainty
  While children need to understand the seriousness of certain situations, avoid exaggerating the danger. Reassure them that while some things are beyond our control, there are always ways to stay safe.

• Develop a family emergency plan
  Provide children with practical tools to help them feel more secure. Teach them safety measures, such as knowing emergency contact numbers, and involve them in creating an emergency plan. Preparing a small emergency kit with essentials like water, a flashlight, and non-perishable food can help them feel more in control. Emphasize that they will never face emergencies alone and that responsible adults will always be there to guide and protect them.

By addressing their emotions honestly and reassuringly, adults can help children develop resilience and confidence in the face of uncertainty.