Schoolchildren in the UAE must receive counseling to prevent traumas caused by their exposure to the Israel-Gaza war, according to leading experts. Heads of schools and mental health professionals have highlighted the long-term effects of violent photos and videos on young minds. To address this, UAE schools are organizing assemblies, counseling sessions, and direct check-ins with students to ensure they have the necessary support. Monique Flickinger, superintendent at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, stated that counselors have been conducting check-ins with all students to assess their support needs. Additionally, specific students have attended multiple counseling sessions. The school started the week with an assembly emphasizing the importance of community and the availability of counselors for students. Principal Nargish Khambatta of Gems Modern Academy expressed concern over the desensitization and potential normalization of violence in the young minds of students. Khambatta stressed the need for young citizens to develop the ability to make sense of polarizing comments they may encounter. The school has a dedicated counseling team available 24/7, and teachers serve as the first point of contact for additional assistance. Yaseen Aslam, medical director at the Psychiatry and Therapy Centre in Dubai, noted the impact that conflict and war images can have on both adults and children. Older children can experience anxiety, sadness, depression, and disturbances, while younger children may exhibit clinginess or changes in behavior. It is crucial for parents to allow children to express their emotions and validate their feelings. Failure to support children emotionally during conflicts can lead to repressed traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress reactions, affecting their emotional and psychological development. Aslam emphasized the responsibility of schools to facilitate emotional processing and provide access to counseling services. He also encouraged parents to expose children to age-appropriate content and engage them in acts of charity or volunteering. By limiting exposure to graphic images and promoting discussions about charity, parents can support their children’s emotional well-being. The article concludes with a gallery of images showcasing the latest updates on the Israel-Gaza war. (Word count: 389)
UAE educators stress the importance of assisting children to prevent trauma from violence in Gaza
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