Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
Experts have drawn attention to the possible impact of conflict on the mental wellbeing of children and the ways parents can provide support.
Amid developments in the Gulf and the wider Middle East, residents have had to comply with emergency alerts while following updates on news channels and social media. This constant flow of information has contributed to the levels of anxiety experienced by both children and adults.
Authorities and child psychologists have emphasised prioritising child safety, emotional wellbeing, and structured routines, especially during the shift to remote learning and working.
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) advises parents to maintain a calm home environment, limit exposure to alarming news, ensure car safety (buckling up and remaining seated), and to make use of official resources for support.
The ECA has issued the following guidance and initiatives to help parents and children navigate these uncertain times.
- Emotional Safety and Support
When children are feeling anxious, be steady, ensuring that "connection is stronger than fear", the authority said. Validate their feelings, talk to them about what they hear, and reassure them that the authorities are in control.
- Car Safety Advisory
Due to the risks of children leaning out of windows or moving around, the ECA urges keeping kids in their seats, buckled up, and never allowing them to roam around in moving vehicles.
- Structure and Routine
Maintain a consistent daily routine, including set times for waking up, play and learning, to provide stability and comfort.
- Digital Wellbeing
The UAE Children's Digital Wellbeing Pact, signed in 2025 by major tech firms, emphasises creating a safe, ethical digital environment for children.
- Parental Self-care
Recognising that parents need support, the "Parent Pack" was launched to provide trusted insights for the first eight years of a child's life.
- Helping Children Understand What's Happening
Clinical psychologist Dr Maria Simona Basescu spoke about the long-term effects of conflict situations on the mental health of children.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Basescu said stressful situations "may have a significant impact on children’s cognitive development, with chronic stress disrupting the development of the brain and other organs, along with emotional and behavioural impairment".
She highlighted the importance of parents remaining composed, in order to have a calming effect on children in times of distress; and to have frank but controlled conversations to help them understand what is happening.
"Handling children in a calm, honest, simple, concrete, comforting manner and using age-appropriate language, will help them understand what is going on during these tough times," she said.
Dr Basescu noted that parents should "regulate themselves emotionally before trying to have an open and honest, not-so-detailed discussion about the current situation".
Instead of avoiding conversation that may lead to anxiety, confusion and stress, it is more advisable to try having a thoughtful discussion that can significantly reduce confusion and fears, she added.
Dr Basescu said adults should validate the feelings of their children instead of not allowing them to express their feelings. For example, a parent may say "I can see/I understand that you are anxious/stressed, but I want you to know that what you feel now is a normal reaction".
Parents can reassure children by saying: "Sometimes we may hear loud sounds, but the government is keeping us safe."
She also advised families to keep a daily routine, instead of allowing children to navigate social media where they can be exposed to alarming news, images and video.
Dr Basescu strongly advises parents to limit exposure to social media by reducing usage as much as possible, but not to the point of eliminating it completely as this will create suspicion.
Parents should actively monitor what children are watching, mute the notifications and unfollow the social media accounts that may be sources of misleading news.
She instead recommended fun family activities such as reading; games (not only video games); watching light-hearted movies; outdoor activities and sport; cooking and cleaning the house together; art or playing musical instruments.
For a child or adolescent who is feeling anxious, Dr Basescu recommends techniques such as deep breathing; movement-based activities such as dancing, stretching, gently shaking the arms, hands and legs; and listening to relaxing music or reading.
"Focusing on reassurance rather than dismissing the children's repetitive questions, and spending quality time together, will help them feel safe and emotionally grounded during difficult times," she added.
