Children of War and Bullying: How to Teach Support Instead of Aggression

War changes childhood. Even when children are surrounded by school, classmates, and familiar routines, internal anxiety and tension may not disappear. Children especially need safety, support, acceptance, and the feeling of being heard.

When these needs are unmet, a child is often left alone with difficult emotions. In search of an outlet, they may express them through words or actions that hurt others. This is often how bullying emerges.

Bullying as a Signal, Not Just a Problem

In the context of the International Day Against Bullying, it is important to emphasize that there are no winners in bullying situations.

Those who hurt others are often those who were once not heard themselves. Bullying is a signal of a lack of communication, interaction, and emotional awareness skills.

Prohibitions and punishment do not solve the problem. They do not ease the condition of those who suffer from bullying or those who display aggressive behavior. Instead, it is important to show children alternative ways of interacting and support them in learning these approaches.

Prevention Begins with Everyday Interaction

The main focus for adults should be prevention. It starts with simple but consistent practices in children’s daily interactions.

Understanding does not happen by itself. It is the result of skills that need to be learned.

Children need support in learning to: recognize their own emotions talk about their feelings listen to others build safe and respectful interactions

These skills form the foundation of an environment where there is less room for aggression.

A Tool to Support Children

To support children in communication and adaptation, the game “Master of Communication” was developed.

It helps children to: learn how to interact effectively notice and understand emotions find appropriate words to express their feelings

The game is already being used in schools across different regions of Ukraine, helping to create a safe and supportive environment for children.

Why It Matters Today

Children who know how to express themselves and feel heard are less likely to act aggressively. Children who feel supported cope better with stress and tension.

Developing communication skills is not an optional addition but a necessary condition for children’s emotional well-being in times of war.

This publication was created by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation within the project “CONSENT: Increasing the Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Ukraine with a Focus on Mediation,” implemented with the financial support of the European Union.