KUWAIT CITY — Experts are highlighting the critical need for enhanced psychological support for children affected by crises and conflicts, citing the significant emotional and developmental challenges that such environments impose on young individuals.
Specialists emphasized that children are among the most vulnerable populations during emergencies due to their incomplete emotional and psychological maturity. This vulnerability often manifests in increased fear, anxiety, and behavioral changes, which can disrupt their overall development and social functioning.
Dr. Wa’el Abu Al-Ezz, Head Psychotherapist at the Kuwait Center for Mental Health and a member of the Child Protection Team, described the immediate psychological impacts of crises on children, including heightened anxiety, sleep disturbances, and clinginess to caregivers, especially when exposed to distressing stimuli such as alarm sounds. He warned that without timely intervention, these early symptoms may evolve into more severe conditions like anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adversely affecting children's concentration, school performance, and social interactions.
Dr. Abu Al-Ezz also outlined behavioral signs families should observe, such as sudden mood changes, loss of appetite, increased irritability or tearfulness, social withdrawal, and regression to earlier developmental behaviors like bedwetting. He advocated for evidence-based treatments, notably cognitive behavioral therapy and play therapy, underscoring the pivotal role of the family as the primary support system. He stressed the importance of collaboration among families, educational institutions, and health services to create a supportive and secure environment for affected children.
Similarly, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Falah, an associate professor in psychology at Kuwait University, noted that children’s responses to crises vary depending on factors including their age, personality, family environment, and the intensity of exposure to traumatic events. He pointed out that a nurturing family environment significantly mitigates psychological harm and promotes a sense of safety. Dr. Al-Falah advocated for maintaining calm, preserving routines, limiting exposure to distressing news, and providing age-appropriate explanations to help children manage their emotional responses.
He also highlighted the role of building psychological resilience through encouraging children to express their emotions, teaching calming techniques such as deep breathing, and engaging them in positive activities. According to Dr. Al-Falah, resilience involves developing the capacity to cope with fear in a healthy and adaptive manner.
From an educational perspective, Mariam Al-Bloushi, Senior Social Specialist at Kuwait’s Ministry of Education, stressed the importance of maintaining psychological stability for students amid crises. She noted that emotional distress often leads to behavioral changes, such as anger and distraction, which can negatively impact academic performance. Al-Bloushi said these reactions are natural under current circumstances, emphasizing the need for ongoing psychological and educational support.
The Ministry has implemented various measures, including the development of educational and psychological strategies and the deployment of specialized social and psychological professionals to assist students. Among these initiatives is an electronic platform, “Estashir” (Consult), which offers confidential access to counseling services supervised by national experts in social and psychological fields, providing critical support to learners facing challenges during this period.
Al-Bloushi acknowledged the efforts of teachers in adapting educational delivery through distance learning and concluded by urging families across Kuwait to prioritize mental health as an essential component of fostering a resilient and capable generation poised to contribute positively to the nation's future.