Children and Trauma: Growing Up in a Conflict Zone

Here in Israel, where conflict is an ever-present reality, childhood can be anything but carefree. For children living near the northern border, in Gaza-border communities, or in the volatile areas of Judea and Samaria, the sound of sirens, the rush to bomb shelters, and the constant vigilance have become a routine part of life. Children are uniquely vulnerable to the psychological impacts of this environment. While adults often develop mechanisms to process and cope with trauma over time, children are still developing their emotional and cognitive frameworks, making them more susceptible to the long-term effects of living under chronic stress.

It’s crucial to understand that not all trauma manifests as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children. The emotional toll of growing up in a conflict zone can take on many forms, from behavioral changes to developmental delays, without necessarily fitting into the classic PTSD diagnosis. By understanding how trauma manifests in children and what strategies can help them cope, caregivers, educators, and communities can provide better support and help mitigate the long-term impacts of living in such an unstable environment.

How Children Experience Trauma Differently

Children process trauma in fundamentally different ways than adults. Because they are still developing emotionally and cognitively, their responses to trauma may manifest through behavior rather than words. Younger children, for example, may struggle to verbalize their fear, leading to emotional outbursts, increased clinginess, or regression in behaviors (like bed-wetting or thumb-sucking). On the other hand, older children and adolescents might exhibit increased irritability, defiance, or withdrawal as they grapple with feelings of helplessness and anger that they don’t fully understand.

The physiological impact of trauma is also particularly pronounced in children. As experts like Pat Ogden, a pioneer in somatic psychology, have noted, trauma is often stored in the body. Children who live under constant threat may experience symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or sleep disturbances as their bodies react to the stress and anxiety they are unable to process fully. Over time, this somatic response to trauma can lead to chronic issues, mainly if the emotional stress is not addressed.

Children’s brains are highly adaptive, but they are also particularly vulnerable to prolonged stress. Chronic exposure to danger or fear can affect the developing brain, particularly in emotional regulation and learning areas. The fight-or-flight response becomes overactive, which can make it harder for children to concentrate in school or feel safe in familiar environments. This overactivation of the nervous system may lead to difficulties with impulse control, attention deficits, or hypervigilance—symptoms that can persist into adulthood if left unaddressed.

Beyond PTSD: The Many Faces of Childhood Trauma

While PTSD is often the first condition that comes to mind when thinking about trauma, it’s essential to recognize that trauma can present in many ways in children. Some may exhibit acute stress reactions—short-term responses like nightmares, fear of separation from parents, or hyperawareness after a specific event such as a rocket attack or military skirmish. These reactions typically diminish over time with support, but they are a clear sign that the experience has emotionally impacted the child.

For many children, the trauma of living in a conflict zone is more complex and ongoing. Developmental trauma occurs when a child is repeatedly exposed to stressful or dangerous situations during their formative years. This can interfere with their normal emotional development, leading to long-term difficulties with trust, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Children who experience developmental trauma may have trouble forming secure relationships, struggle with feelings of safety, and often display erratic behavior that reflects their internal chaos.

Children can also suffer from vicarious trauma, absorbing the fear, stress, and anxiety of their parents or caregivers. When parents are anxious or traumatized by the conflict, children pick up on these emotional cues and internalize them, even if they don’t fully understand the reasons behind their parents’ distress. This creates a cycle in which the trauma is not only experienced directly through the conflict but is also reinforced by the emotional state of the adults in the child’s life.

Supporting Children in Times of Crisis

The good news is that children are remarkably resilient, especially when given the right support. According to trauma expert Janina Fisher, one of the most important things we can do for children is to help them develop a sense of safety and control over their environment. Fisher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that trauma, particularly in children, is not just a psychological experience but a physiological one. Addressing how trauma is held in the body, such as through somatic techniques that allow children to release pent-up tension, can be just as important as talking through their fears.

Providing stability and routine is key. In an environment where the external world is unpredictable, children benefit from consistency in their daily lives. Schools in conflict zones often play a critical role in maintaining that sense of normalcy. Regular schedules, familiar teachers, and structured activities provide children with a framework for understanding their world, helping to counteract the chaos around them. Schools also serve as a space where children can engage in non-verbal forms of expression—art, music, or play—that allow them to process their emotions in ways that feel safe and manageable.

At home, parents and caregivers need to be mindful of their own emotional responses. As much as children benefit from routine, they also take cues from the adults around them. If parents are able to regulate their own stress and maintain open lines of communication, children feel more secure. It’s important to acknowledge the child’s fears without dismissing them, but also to offer reassurance that their feelings are valid and normal in such difficult circumstances.

Encouraging children to express themselves creatively is another effective tool for helping them cope with trauma. Drawing, writing, or even imaginative play can allow children to indirectly process difficult emotions. These creative outlets serve as a form of emotional regulation, allowing children to externalize their internal experiences in a less overwhelming way.

The Role of Community and Culture in Healing

In Israel, community and culture provide additional layers of support for children growing up in conflict zones. The collective experience of living under threat creates a sense of solidarity that can help children feel less isolated in their fear. During times of crisis, Israeli communities often come together to provide emotional and practical support, reinforcing a child’s sense of belonging and safety.

Cultural rituals and traditions also offer children a source of resilience. Jewish holidays, for example, frequently focus on themes of survival, endurance, and hope. Whether it’s the story of Passover, which celebrates freedom from oppression, or Hanukkah’s emphasis on light in the darkness, these cultural narratives offer children a framework for understanding their own experiences within the context of a larger story of resilience. In this way, children can draw strength from their cultural heritage, finding comfort in the continuity of tradition even in times of instability.

Looking Ahead: Building Resilience in the Next Generation

While the reality of growing up in a conflict zone is challenging, it’s essential to focus on the tools that can help children build resilience. Trauma-informed care, both in schools and at home, ensures that children are given the emotional support they need to navigate their experiences without being overwhelmed. By acknowledging their fears and providing outlets for emotional expression, caregivers and educators can help children process trauma in a way that fosters healing rather than long-term emotional damage.

Most importantly, helping children develop a sense of agency over their lives—even in the most minor ways—can have a lasting impact. Whether allowing them to make choices about their daily routines or teaching them calming techniques to manage their anxiety, these small acts of empowerment help children feel more in control of their world. In a reality where so much is uncertain, that sense of power can be incredibly grounding.

Conclusion: Growing Up Under the Shadow of Conflict

Children in Israel face unique psychological challenges growing up in an environment marked by conflict. While the trauma they experience doesn’t always manifest as PTSD, the emotional and developmental impact of living under constant threat is profound. By providing children with stability, emotional support, and tools for self-expression, caregivers and communities can help mitigate the long-term effects of trauma.

Ultimately, children are resilient, but that resilience must be nurtured. Through routine, emotional connection, and cultural resilience, the next generation can grow up surviving the challenges of conflict and learning to thrive despite them. As we continue to navigate an uncertain future, ensuring the emotional well-being of our children must remain a top priority.