“War is not healthy for children and other living things.” These words, written by activist and artist Lorraine Schneider in the 1960s, were initially used by the organization Another Mother for Peace as a message opposing the Vietnam War.
Schneider’s message remains extremely relevant in the world today. Across the globe, wars continue to disrupt innocent lives and deteriorate the mental well-being of children.
According to the International Rescue Committee, children in Gaza are “dying from preventable diseases, suffering from life-changing injuries and are missing out on years of education.” Children in Gaza have also been deprived of the most basic necessities; according to Save the Children, “nearly all children in Gaza are at imminent risk of famine.” These realities are beyond alarming, and it is our human duty to protect children from dangerous and traumatic environments.
In Sudan, children are also facing major disruptions to their development and lives. According to Save the Children, 6.5 million children have experienced displacement since April 2023, and 11 million children do not have “educational support.” Each of these children deserves safety, but they are being denied this fundamental right.
In Ukraine, war has also left children traumatized. According to Project HOPE, “Years of war have disrupted children’s education, separated them from loved ones, and forced them to endure relentless stress and fear, which have a significant impact on their emotional and cognitive development.”
These contemporary examples show how impactful war is on the developing child. During childhood, kids are supposed to learn and grow intellectually, explore the world through imagination and spend time with their friends. In the presence of war, children are robbed of these invaluable, fundamental experiences.
Through psychological research, scientists have determined that children are highly prone to the consequences of traumatic events, especially as their brains are not yet fully developed. According to The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, “absence of mental stimulation in neglectful environments may limit the brain from developing to its full potential.” The young brain is supposed to develop constantly through learning, but traumatic experiences interfere with this.
More specifically, there are several moments in a child’s life, formally known as “critical periods,” where their brain is extremely malleable and receptive to the environment. These “critical periods” are incredibly important for the healthy development of a child.
According to Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, “what children encounter in their environment and when they encounter it interact with how their genes are expressed in powerfully connected ways.” One’s environment plays a major role in their overall health as a human being. If a child grows up in a traumatic, war-torn environment, they will experience major impact on their brain’s development and their health as a whole.
In today’s world, it is incredibly important to remain empathetic, stand up for the oppressed and advocate for the rights of children. We must remember our humanity and protect our children from trauma, as they are the light, the hope and the future that will brighten our world.
Published and digitized May 2026.
