The greatest investment is investing in the child. Children’s mental health is a fundamental issue that plays a central role in building individuals and societies. Childhood is the most sensitive stage of life, during which the psychological, emotional, and social foundations are formed—shaping a person’s character and behavior throughout their lifetime. Caring for children’s mental health is no longer optional; it has become a humanitarian and developmental necessity, especially in light of the crises, wars, and armed conflicts affecting millions of children worldwide.
Children’s mental health is defined as a state of psychological, emotional, and social well-being that enables a child to grow properly, learn, build relationships, and adapt to various pressures and situations in a way appropriate to their age.
Mental health is not merely the absence of disorders; it also includes a child’s ability to feel safe, express emotions, realize their potential, and actively participate in society.
Global statistics indicate that focusing on mental health during childhood is a crucial preventive factor. Studies show that approximately 50% of mental disorders begin before the age of 14, and about 75% appear before the age of 18, making early intervention essential to prevent worsening conditions later in life.
The psychological challenges faced by children intensify during crises and wars, which are among the most destructive factors affecting their mental health. Wars deprive children of a sense of safety and expose them to scenes of violence and destruction, forced displacement, loss of home, and separation from family.
Field studies on children living in conflict zones reveal symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as nightmares, fear episodes, chronic anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Around 25% of these children experience symptoms of depression, while many exhibit aggressive behavior or social withdrawal. The impact of crises is not limited to mental health but also extends to children’s social and behavioral development.
Crises may deprive children of education and play—both essential elements for psychological and social growth. Reports indicate that approximately 222 million children were out of school in crisis-affected areas in 2022, increasing feelings of helplessness and hopelessness and reducing their chances of building a stable future.
Children may also develop aggressive behaviors or social withdrawal due to accumulated psychological stress and their inability to express emotions.
In response to these profound effects, the International Health Organization emphasizes the importance of providing psychological support guidelines for children during crises. One of the most important principles is ensuring emotional safety, as children need to feel protected and cared for, even in unstable environments.
It is also recommended to listen to children, respect their feelings, and allow them to express fear and sadness without denial or minimization. Emotional expression is a key step in reducing psychological stress.
Maintaining a consistent daily routine is equally important, as it provides children with a sense of stability and control in an unpredictable world.
Play, drawing, and creative activities are also recommended as effective tools to help children express their emotions and process trauma indirectly.
In light of these challenges, it becomes clear that the greatest investment is investing in children. Supporting children’s mental health is not an economic burden, but rather a long-term investment in both individuals and society.
Supporting children’s mental health during crises requires:
- Providing emotional safety and support
- Listening to and respecting children’s feelings
- Maintaining a stable daily routine
- Using play, art, and creative activities as therapeutic tools
In cases where psychological symptoms persist for extended periods, specialized psychological intervention becomes essential.
In conclusion, caring for children’s mental health—especially during wars and crises—is a shared moral and humanitarian responsibility borne by families, schools, communities, and international organizations.
Children are the foundation of the future and the cornerstone of development. Protecting their mental well-being today means building a more aware, balanced generation capable of achieving peace and stability tomorrow.
Prepared by:
Dr. Reham Al-Droubi
PhD in Psychology – University of Damascus
