“It is not possible to hide the war even from the little ones. They must be feeling tension and fear around them and feeling the effects of radical change in everything.” This phrase by Olena Rozvadovska, co-founder of the Children’s Voice Foundation, part of a network of Ukrainian psychologists working for children in Ukraine, is applicable to all violence, including that experienced in Ecuador, a country plunged into an internal armed conflict.

How to talk to our children about the internal armed conflict in Ecuador

The circumstances are certainly different, but the EFE article quoting the psychologist points to the need to work on the stability of children and young people who are no strangers to reality, regardless of their age.

In the case of Ecuador, the return to face-to-face teaching in some schools requires clear explanations for all students.

Guayas schools will return to in-person classes starting this Wednesday

Those who are going to pursue non-face-to-face education and are concerned about it and those who are already in school need to get information from people with judgment. Who will clarify your doubts?

It is important that teachers are ready for questions, as well as parents. Technology brings information and misinformation that can affect children if not properly channeled. As in Ukraine, in Ecuador we must work to ensure that children, even in times of conflict, have a childhood.

Last January 12, in an article in this newspaper, psychologists explained the need for adults to take control of their emotions and monitor minors.

Peace as a task

The lectures are an opportunity for the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to work together for the benefit of mental health in general, including becoming a guide for representatives to deal with issues such as internal armed conflicts, but also those that are revealed in the daily lives of their students.

The mental health of Ecuadorians, children and adults, is a topic of general attention. (OR)