Age-appropriate Ways to Talk About War

Child-friendly messages and tips

Talking about war and conflict with children is not easy. News and images of violence can cause fear, sadness, and confusion. Children often turn to parents, caregivers, teachers, and trusted adults for guidance, comfort, and honest answers.

This resource is designed to help you:

• Explain the basics of war and conflict in child-friendly language.
• Share key messages of safety, hope, and peace.
• Encourage positive action and solidarity for children affected by war.

It can be used by parents, caregivers, teachers, community leaders, faith leaders, and anyone who works with or supports children. The goal is not to overwhelm children with information, but to give them clear, age-appropriate explanations, listen to their worries, and remind them that they are not alone.

Some things to learn about war that you can share with children

First, the basics

What is war?

War is when groups of people, or even countries, fight each other using weapons or violence.

What is conflict?

Conflict is when people or groups strongly disagree. Sometimes it can be solved with words, but if it turns violent, it can lead to war.

Why does it happen?

War and conflict often happen because of power struggles, unfair treatment, or fights over land, resources, or beliefs. Adults and leaders make these choices, not children.

Why is everyone so worried now?

More wars are happening today, they are lasting longer, and becoming more violent and cruel. This means more children are growing up in unsafe places, losing homes, schools, loved ones, and in some cases, even their own lives.

Why do we talk about it?

Talking about war helps us understand what is happening, share our feelings, express our compassion and solidarity for the people affected by war, and think about how to build peace instead of violence.

Now let´s talk about children and war

Why do we talk about children and war?

Because children suffer most in war. Their rights to be safe, go to school, and grow up healthy are often taken away. It is important that their voices are heard and that adults work to protect them.

In 2024, millions of children had to live in places affected by war, conflict, and fighting. Many have been forced to leave their homes, lost access to school, or faced serious danger.

Children are not to blame. Children do not start wars, and they cannot stop them. War is caused by adults, governments, or groups making harmful choices, not by children.

Leaders, governments, and groups are responsible for following laws that protect children. Everyone has a role in ensuring children’s safety and rights.

Children deserve to be safe. Authorities, decision makers, parents, teachers, and communities have the duty to protect children, listen to them, and stand with them in times of danger.

Many people around the world, including religious leaders, families, youth, and children, work for peace. We can learn to solve conflicts with words, care, and cooperation instead of violence. Peace is possible.

It is okay to feel scared, sad, confused, or angry when you hear about war. Everyone reacts differently, and talking about feelings is important.

Messages of hope and action you can share with children

You can also see other resources here:

• Save the Children: “Five Tips: How to Talk to Children About War”: Practical tips for explaining conflict in a child-friendly way and supporting their emotional wellbeing.
• UNICEF: “How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War”: Guidance for parents on answering children’s questions, listening to feelings, and keeping children safe while fostering hope.
• The National Child Traumatic Stress: “Talking to Children about War”: Pointers for parents and caregivers to help by listening, acknowledging feelings, and supporting children as they make sense of what they see and hear.
• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: “How do you talk to children about war?”: The guide can be used by parents and caregivers with children directly affected by conflict, and for children who may have friends in conflict settings. It can be used as a guide to help parents support and care for their children who may be struggling to find explanations after watching disturbing images on TV or on social media.