Recent mock drills held at various schools in the Capital to prepare for emergencies have left many children anxious and stressed. Dr Bhavna Barmi, senior clinical psychologist at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi, speaks to The Indian Express, offering guidance for parents, teachers, and schools on navigating these turbulent times.
Children often express stress through behavioural changes. Early signs include sleep disturbances – such as difficulty falling asleep, having nightmares, or frequently waking up – as well as physical complaints like headaches, stomach aches, or other unexplained symptoms. The signs also include change in appetite.
Emotional outbursts may manifest as irritability, anger, or frequent crying, while regressive behaviours such as bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or clinginess can reappear in younger children. Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities or social interactions, as well as academic issues – like a decline in school performance or reluctance to attend school – are also common.
How do younger children typically react during a conflict?
Young children are highly perceptive of the emotional state of adults around them. They can sense fear, anxiety, and tension. This can lead to increased fearfulness, related to safety, separation anxiety, or reluctance to be away from caregivers. Behavioural changes may include aggression, withdrawal, or regression in developmental milestones.
How are older children impacted?
Older children may understand the implications of conflict and experience concerns… they may feel compelled to take action or express opinions. These factors can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness. They may also encounter psychological pressures, including academic disruptions — such as challenges with remote learning or exam uncertainties — questioning beliefs and values in the context of conflict, and social media influence due to exposure to distressing content and peer pressure to engage.
How does social media affect children and teens during conflict?
Story continues below this ad
Digital exposure can spread misinformation, leading to confusion and fear; desensitising them to violence through exposure to graphic content; and creating echo chambers that reinforce specific viewpoints without critical analysis. These factors can distort perceptions and increase anxiety. Several mental health risks are tied to misinformation or graphic content, including anxiety and depression resulting from exposure to distressing material; sleep disturbances due to screen time and emotional arousal; and impaired concentration, with difficulty focusing on tasks or studies. Managing digital consumption is crucial for mental health.
I would recommend that parents and educators set boundaries to limit screen time and encourage offline activities; monitor content to ensure it is age-appropriate and accurate; discuss media with children to talk about what they see and hear online; and model behaviour by demonstrating healthy digital habits.
What about disruptions to routine, like school closures or blackouts?
Disruptions to routine can cause anxiety and uncertainty, particularly due to worry about the unknown and changes in daily life… Social isolation from peers and teachers, combined with academic challenges related to remote learning or lack of access to resources, can contribute to emotional distress and behavioural issues.
What is a trauma-informed approach in schools?
Story continues below this ad
A trauma-informed approach in schools involves creating a safe environment by establishing predictable routines, building strong relationships to encourage trust between students and staff, and providing support through access to counselling services. Educators trained to recognise and respond to trauma-related behaviours are essential. Promoting resilience by teaching coping strategies and emotional regulation skills further supports students.
How should schools explain emergency drills to children?
Before the drill, educators should clearly explain what is going to happen, using simple, calm, and child-friendly language. For instance, one can say: ‘Just like we practice for fire drills or games in PE class, we are going to do a practice round on how to stay safe in case something unusual happens. There is no danger, but we are learning to be smart and safe.’ Avoid words like ‘attack,’ ‘danger,’ or ‘terrorist’.
How to communicate difficult news to children?
Effective communication can provide reassurance, helping children feel safe and supported; clarify misunderstandings, preventing misinformation and fear; and encourage expression, allowing children to share feelings and ask questions.
Strategies like using simple language to explain events, being honest without providing overwhelming details, and encouraging questions can work. Validating feelings… also helps children process information and emotions effectively.
Story continues below this ad
Common mistakes institutions make during emergencies include a lack of transparency, which can lead to rumours and fear; overloading with information, which can overwhelm children… Improvements can be made by developing clear communication plans to ensure consistent messaging, training staff to handle emotional discussions, and engaging with families to support children.