Children's psychological impact from the Ukraine war conflict
In the midst of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, children are facing severe mental health risks, according to a growing body of research. The conflict has left thousands of children traumatized, anxious, and depressed, as they grapple with a sense of insecurity, disrupted lives, and limited access to psychological care.
The environment of war is taking a heavy toll on children's mental health. Dr. Jack Shonkoff, director for the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, compares this situation to a safety presentation on a flight, where passengers are told to secure their own oxygen masks before helping others. In this analogy, adults in war zones are the oxygen masks for children, providing them with the necessary support to cope with the trauma they have experienced.
Children often lose their homes and are displaced, leading to intense feelings of insecurity and loneliness. Exposure to ongoing violence, such as shelling and air raids, creates an environment of continuous fear, causing children to exhibit heightened stress responses to everyday noises. Thousands of schools have been damaged or destroyed, forcing children to learn in unsafe conditions or via remote education, undermining their sense of safety and normalcy.
Material deprivation and lack of basic services also add to the psychological distress and developmental challenges faced by these children. Without reliable access to water, sanitation, or play areas, many children are struggling to cope with the trauma of war.
Despite the intense need for mental health support, it remains stigmatized and often inaccessible, meaning many children do not receive the help they need to cope with their experiences. Dr. Monica Barreto, a clinical psychologist, has noted an increase in depression and anxiety among children and families in war situations similar to Ukraine.
However, there are some positive signs of resilience. Ukrainian families in bunkers are making efforts to provide play and teachers are trying to teach lessons to maintain some structure for children. Dr. Barreto recommends setting up children in refugee camps with their families and providing time for them to experience "normality," whether that is playtime or having lessons.
Research focused on the mental health of children and adolescents during the Russian invasion of Ukraine highlights the complexity of these issues and the ethical importance of addressing them through targeted interventions and inclusion in mental health research. Studies have shown an increased risk of mental health problems for children and families living in or fleeing war regions.
In a recent statement, Dr. Paul Wise, a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University, stressed that children in war zones are vulnerable to both physical and psychological trauma. Addressing these risks is critical for their immediate and long-term health and development.
[1] Barreto, M. (2022). Mental Health Challenges of Children and Families in War Situations. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychology, 46(2), 123-131.
[2] Wise, P. (2022). Mental Health Needs of Children in War Zones: The Case of Ukraine. Pediatrics, 149(3), e2021057650.
[3] United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2022). Ukraine: Children's Rights Under Threat in Conflict. Retrieved from
[4] World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies: Ukraine. Retrieved from
- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has presented a significant threat to children's mental health, with a growing body of research documenting increased levels of anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- Mental health issues in war-affected children are often compounded by factors such as displacement, disrupted education, limited access to care, and exposure to ongoing violence.
- In addition to physical health risks, children in war zones are vulnerable to psychological trauma, which can lead to long-term developmental challenges.
- Addressing the mental health needs of children in war zones is crucial for their immediate and long-term health and development, and targeted interventions and inclusion in mental health research are essential to addressing these issues effectively.
