Why Digital Exposure Needs Monitoring in Times of Conflict

The increasing incidence of war, armed conflict, and terrorism has become a global problem, reaching deep into societies and communities, targeting civilians, and inducing mass anxiety, fear, a continuous sense of threat, and helplessness.

Millions of children and adolescents are indirectly exposed to war, armed conflict, and terrorism through the media, with adverse effects. The use of smartphones and computers in the hands of the youth may be portals to extremely dangerous places. Violent scenes of armed conflict can be projected into the immediate environment, producing a new dimension of experience of the world. The scenes are uncensored, and their consumption may be unmonitored or unsupervised by responsible adults. In the case of adolescents, the effects of this new dimension of experience can overlap with the complexities of the developmental period.

In times of war, crisis or political conflicts, children can easily encounter disturbing news, violent images or biased narratives through social media, TV and Peers. Monitoring digital exposure in children during times of conflict is critical because children are especially vulnerable to the psychological, emotional, and developmental impacts of what they consume online. The graphic images, violent videos and distressing news can cause fear, anxiety, confusion, nightmares and trauma. Young minds are still developing and may not be able to process the extreme content, leading to long-lasting emotional scars.

Children struggle to differentiate fact from misinformation or propaganda, which makes them believe and internalise sensationalised or biased content. Exposure to polarising content may shape their beliefs and behaviours in unhealthy ways. Constant exposure of conflict news can erode a child’s sense of security, leading to a loss of trust in adults, society, or the future. Repeated exposure to violence can cause desensitisation or increased aggression. Some children may imitate behaviours they see online, even if harmful. Lack of coping mechanisms to process intense emotions in children leads to withdrawal, anger outbursts or emotional numbness.

Parents play a critical role in monitoring and guiding their children’s media consumption to safeguard their emotional well-being and development. Establish daily screen time limits, restrict inappropriate content and create tech-free zones like bedrooms or family dining areas. Parents should encourage access to credible, child-friendly sources and help them to understand the difference between reliable information and sensationalism. Watching news together allows parents to explain complex situations, and it opens a safe space for children to ask questions and express their emotions. Parents should regularly check for signs of distress, such as withdrawal, irritability, sleep problems and offer reassurance that they are safe.

Teaching children to critically evaluate online content helps them develop resilience against misinformation and manipulative content. Encouraging fact-checking and questioning sources can empower them to be thoughtful digital citizens. Balancing screen time with creative or physical activities can help children stay grounded. Introduce them to uplifting content like educational programs, music, and games that encourage learning and positivity.

Children learn from observing adults. Parents should manage their own media habits and emotional reactions to news responsibly. Remaining calm and balanced sends a powerful message that not all crises are immediate dangers.

If children show prolonged anxiety, panic, or emotional withdrawal, it may be time to consult a child psychologist or counsellor for professional help.

// Dr Kausalya Mohanraj, Specialist Paediatrics, Aster Clinic, Discovery Gardens & Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)