School in Wartime: How to Restore Children’s Sense of Safety
In today’s Ukraine, 1 September is more than a date; it is a test of how well institutions and communities can protect a child’s right to learn and belong. Pupils return to classrooms where timetables sit alongside shelter plans and the school bell competes with air-raid sirens. The task for adults is clear: reduce anxiety by rebuilding safety, predictability and trust.
Safety extends beyond the nearest shelter. It has physical, emotional, social and informational layers. Children cope better where routines are stable, instructions are clear, drills are calm rather than frightening, and there is a quiet space to decompress — all held by adults who listen without dismissing feelings.
What schools can do. Predictability starts small: a steady timetable, a brief morning check-in, visual shelter guidance and regular, low-stress drills. After an alert, provide a quiet room or “recovery corner” with water and time to settle. Ease academic pressure during the first weeks and step up gradually. Teachers benefit from basic Psychological First Aid and trauma-informed practice: simple language, naming emotions, avoiding shame, never forcing a child to “tell their story”. Buddy systems help displaced pupils, as do dedicated adaptation sessions.
What families can do. Routine is the best anxiolytic. Morning rituals, pared-back news exposure, a clear reunification plan after alerts and a simple “calm kit” (water, snack, small toy, family photo) build control. After stress, movement, play and time outdoors help. Talk honestly at age-appropriate levels: “you are safe”, “we are together”, “it’s okay to be afraid”. Watch for red flags — persistent insomnia, sharp mood swings, frequent aches — and seek professional support early.
For teachers and communities. Adults should not be asked to be endlessly strong. Guard against burnout with peer support, clear roles during alerts and practical help from parents and local services. A school becomes a place of safety when everyone knows their role and feels backed by others.
The PanteonX Foundation supports programmes for children and teenagers that combine safety, emotional literacy and movement. If you wish to help schools and families navigate the year with less stress, please consider supporting our work!
School in Wartime: How to Restore Children’s Sense of Safety
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