Communicating with children about safety during wartime: what parents need to know

In a war environment, it is important that children know basic safety rules to ensure their safety in all situations. It is also necessary to talk to children correctly about the war, because not only their physical, but also psychological well-being depends on it. Incorrect or insufficient information can cause fear and anxiety in children, while open and honest communication can help them cope.

How to properly conduct a conversation with children about the war

1. Assessment of age characteristics and understanding. Before starting the conversation, assess the age characteristics of your child. Young children need simple and clear explanations without unnecessary details. Older children can better understand the more complex aspects of a situation. Speak at the child’s level of understanding and adapt information to their age and developmental level.
2. Use of simple and understandable terms. Explain the situation in simple and accessible words. Avoid military terminology and complex descriptions. For example, instead of “artillery shelling” you can say “explosions heard in the distance”.
3. Honesty and truthfulness. Be honest, but don’t discourage the children. Talk about the situation in the country without exaggeration, but also without embellishment. Children need to know the truth about what is happening, but without unnecessary fear. It is important to give information according to their requests and maturity level.
4. Support and reassurance. Children may feel anxious and fear for themselves and their loved ones. It is important to provide them with emotional support. Reassure them that adults are doing everything possible to keep them safe. Express your support and love so that children feel safe.
5. Inclusion of children in the discussion process. Give children the opportunity to express their thoughts and fears. Ask what they know about the war, what worries them, and what questions they have. This will help you better understand how and what exactly needs to be explained.
6. Creating a safe space. It is important that children feel that their experiences and fears are important. Create an environment where they can freely talk about their feelings and experiences. Be sensitive to their emotions and try to make them feel understood and supported.
7. Providing practical advice and instructions. Tell the children how to act in specific situations, such as air raids or artillery fire. Include simple instructions in these explanations that the child can easily understand and follow.
8. Regularity and repeatability. Have these conversations regularly. Information should be constantly updated depending on changes in the situation. Regular conversations will help children better cope with anxiety and understand that they can turn to you for support at any time.

Tell the children about the important rules of behavior during war

Rules of conduct during an air alert

1. In the building:
   • You should download the “Air Alarm” notification program, because it is not always possible to hear the signal from the street.
   • If the building has a shelter (for example, a basement or a parking lot), then you need to go down there immediately.
   • If there is no shelter, go down to the lower floors of the building and choose a place away from windows.
2. In the apartment:
   • If it is not possible to go down into the shelter, find a place away from the windows against a wall that can withstand shocks (usually this is by the front door).
   • Sit on the floor.
   • Cover yourself with a blanket or other items to protect your head.
3. On the train:
   • Try to bend below the level of the windows and cover your head with your hands.
4. Outside:
   • Look for the nearest shelter. Often in cities there are “shelter” signs or signs of the route to it.
   • If shelter cannot be found, stay away from stores with windows, lie down on the ground near high curbs or concrete blocks, and cover your head with your hands.
   • If you hear explosions, stay in a safe place.

Rules of conduct during artillery fire

1. In the event of explosions or shooting:
   • Hide in shelter.
   • If explosions occur outside, lie on the ground and seek protection near concrete structures or in pits.
   • Do not hide in entrances, arches or near parked cars.
   • Cover your ears with your hands and open your mouth to reduce the impact of sound waves.

Rules of child behavior in public places

1. Ask your parents to write their phone number, your last name, and your first name on a piece of paper. Hide this piece of paper in your outer clothing in case of an emergency.
2. Check your mobile phone charge before leaving home and make sure you have enough money to make calls.
3. Add a parent’s number to a speed dial or emergency call on your smartphone.
4. Be careful of debris from rockets or other weapons on the street. Do not enter abandoned buildings or abandoned buildings, as they may be mined.
5. Do not pick up anything from the ground on the street, in a driveway, store or other places. These can be dangerous items.
6. Do not take items from strangers, as this can be dangerous for your life and health.
7. If a stranger calls you, tell your parents or other adults you are with.
8. If you are lost in a crowd or in unfamiliar territory, stand on a safe high ground and call a parent or adult by name. If you have a mobile phone, call a parent or dial 102 and explain the situation.
9. If a stranger tries to pick you up, get other people’s attention by saying out loud that you don’t know the person.

Additional helpful tips for child safety

1. Equipping an emergency backpack. An emergency backpack should contain all the necessary things for a quick evacuation. In addition to water and food, include a first aid kit, important documents, spare clothes, thermal clothing, hygiene products and a small entertainment kit to distract the child in extreme situations.
2. Mobile phone and communication. Make sure children’s cell phones are always charged and have enough money for calls. It is also recommended to use apps for air alert alerts and set important numbers on speed dial.
3. Knowledge of safe places. Teach children where the nearest shelters are in your area. Tell them what to do in an emergency, including information about safe routes to shelters.
4. Signs of danger. Recognizing dangerous objects and situations is key to safety. Teach children not to touch rocket debris or any suspicious objects on the street. Explain why this is dangerous and how to avoid similar situations.
5. Emotional support and psychological help. Offer children the opportunity to talk about their fears and worries. Involve professional psychologists or specialists, if necessary, to help the child cope with traumatic experiences.
6. Support of social connections. Encourage children to maintain contact with friends and relatives. Social support can help them cope with emotional difficulties and provide a sense of security.
7. Regular checking and updating. Regularly check the contents of the emergency backpack and the relevance of the action plan. Make sure that everything in the backpack is not expired and ready to use.

In times of war, proper communication with children about safety and providing them with emotional support is extremely important. Equip them with the knowledge and skills to help them feel safe and calm in the face of uncertainty.