The Syrian civil war affects young and old and, as always, a war has a great impact on a person’s psyche. This is especially true for children, who often do not fully realize what is going on, but do come into contact with violence and sadness. That is why this article focuses on what the civil war does to Syrian children.
PTSD
PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is caused by traumatic experiences, in this case during the war. Until recently, the consequences of war for children were hardly recognized. That didn’t happen until after World War II, when children across Europe suffered nightmares, reduced academic performance, and emotional flattening, all caused by wartime violence. The experiences that children gain during a conflict often depend on age. Very young children are often at risk of losing their parents/caregivers, poor food and hygiene. Older children are more likely to be confronted with cases such as murder and rape that they witness. Teenagers are often victims of violence themselves or participate in the conflict. Teenagers are often more affected by war than younger children, because they understand better what is going on and they are in a phase where they are often changing greatly emotionally and physically.
Care for PTSD
After a conflict, it is important to be aware of the fact that children have been through a lot. Support can be provided to children and their caregivers through schools and other institutions. Therapy can be given to children who are directly suffering from PTSD, possibly supported by medication. Children who, in addition to trauma, have also suffered physically during a war should receive medical help and, if necessary, rehabilitation. Bringing war criminals to justice can also have a cathartic effect on those suffering from PTSD. Every society deals with war trauma in its own way. But in any case, family and community cohesion plays a very important role and the support that children receive from their families and the community in which they live. The role of family cannot be overestimated; the greatest trauma a child can experience is the loss of its parents. This often has far greater consequences than the most heinous crimes.
Children and War
Many Syrian children have already been affected by the war. Some have seen people die before their eyes, others have had to leave their homes behind and still others have ‘only’ heard the sounds of shooting tanks and bombing planes. All these children deal with this in their own way. But it is certain that it has an influence on a child’s psyche. Regardless of how the civil war ends, a percentage of Syrian children will certainly contract or have already contracted PTSD. And it will be important to deal with this adequately. It is impossible to say what percentage of children will suffer trauma. It is clear that the enormous number of refugees and displaced persons, together with all other experiences, will certainly influence the psyche of Syrian children. my view on