The war that erupted after October 7, 2023, has profoundly affected many aspects of Israeli society. While the struggles of adults, soldiers, and politicians are often in the spotlight, a recent study by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of the conflict on young children and their parents. The longitudinal survey, focusing on families with children aged 0-6, highlights the emotional and developmental challenges faced by young families in this turbulent time.
The full report is available here (in Hebrew).
Core Findings: Emotional Strain on Parents
The emotional toll on parents, especially those whose partners were called to serve in the reserves, is one of the study's key findings. Using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the researchers found that parents whose partners were in active military service reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These emotional struggles, while improving slightly over time, remained significantly more severe than those experienced by parents who were not directly affected by military service.
Parents whose partners were deployed faced not only personal emotional difficulties but also struggled with the added responsibility of caring for young children under stressful circumstances. The data suggests that the combination of isolation, the absence of a partner, and the broader uncertainty of war contributes to a long-lasting emotional burden. Even after the war, these families might continue to feel its effects, which highlights the need for extended psychological and community support.
The Effect on Children
The impact of the war on young children was another critical area of the study. The researchers explored how children responded emotionally and behaviorally to the stress stemming from the conflict, focusing on those whose parents were either deployed or had to relocate due to the war. The findings are unsettling—children in these situations displayed significant emotional regression, including signs of heightened fear, difficulty sleeping, and increased irritability.
Children whose families were forced to relocate due to the conflict experienced particularly intense emotional and behavioral challenges. The disruption of their environment, the instability of their day-to-day lives, and the stress of their parents all contributed to the children's emotional struggles. Interestingly, even though some families returned home during the study, the emotional regression in children persisted, indicating the lasting impact of the war on young minds.
Relocation and its Long-Term Impact
Relocation due to the war emerged as another significant factor affecting both parents and children. Over 330,000 Israelis were forced to flee their homes during the conflict, often moving into temporary accommodations far from their communities. Parents who had to relocate reported significantly higher levels of emotional distress compared to those who remained in their homes. This distress extended to their children, who also exhibited more severe emotional and behavioral difficulties.
The study emphasizes that prolonged displacement exacerbates these challenges. Families who remained away from their homes for extended periods reported worsening mental health outcomes. Parents struggled with maintaining their patience, focus at work or their studies, and a general sense of peace. Children in these families experienced more significant emotional and behavioral regression compared to those who returned home sooner.
Differences Across Ethnic Groups
The study also examined differences in emotional well-being between Jewish and Arab parents. Interestingly, Arab parents reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than their Jewish counterparts. While the reasons for this disparity are complex, the ongoing socio-political tension, economic instability, and increased violence within Arab communities likely played a significant role.
The findings suggest that Arab families may be particularly vulnerable to the broader societal impacts of the war. This highlights the need for culturally sensitive support programs to address the unique challenges faced by Arab parents and their children during times of national conflict.
Recommendations for Policy and Support Systems
The study concludes with several key recommendations for supporting families during and after periods of conflict. First and foremost, it emphasizes the importance of providing psychological support to parents, especially those whose partners are serving in the military. This support should not end with the return of the deployed parent, as the emotional impact of their absence can linger long after the war is over.
For children, the report highlights the need for targeted interventions in schools and daycare centers, particularly in areas where families have been displaced. Teachers and caregivers should be trained to recognize and address signs of emotional regression in young children, helping them to regain a sense of stability and security. Furthermore, community support networks must be strengthened to provide ongoing assistance to families who have experienced relocation or the stress of military service.
The findings also stress the importance of long-term support for displaced families. While many families may eventually return home, the emotional and psychological toll of displacement does not disappear overnight. Local authorities should work closely with these families to provide continued assistance in rebuilding their lives and maintaining emotional resilience.
Finally, the report calls for special attention to be given to Arab families, who may face additional challenges during periods of national conflict. Culturally tailored support programs, including psychological services and economic assistance, are crucial to ensuring that these families are not left behind.
Conclusion
The war's impact on young children and their parents is profound and multifaceted. The Taub Center's survey provides invaluable insights into how these families are coping with the ongoing conflict. While there is evidence of resilience, particularly among families who have returned home, the long-term emotional and developmental challenges faced by young children and their parents cannot be ignored. Policymakers must take these findings into account when designing support systems for families, ensuring that no one is left behind in the aftermath of conflict.
For those interested in exploring the full findings, you can access the complete report here (in Hebrew).
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