'Endless fears': The Impact of War on Iran's Children

The war is now an inseparable part of their existence. A slamming door or dropped cutlery can cause panic. Such is the reality for many children in Iran today.

“Before the war, I had no stress at all,” shares Ali, a pseudonym for a 15-year-old boy. “But now, even the smallest sound triggers a severe reaction.” The psychological toll of the US and Israeli airstrikes resonates deeply within young minds, often manifesting as what psychologists describe as ‘hyper arousal’—a condition frequently seen in those bearing early signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Statistically, over 20% of Iran’s population comprises children under the age of 14, approximately 20.4 million. Their experiences echo a shared sense of chronic fear, particularly as family dynamics collapse in the shadow of economic hardship and anxiety. Ali observes his mother become increasingly anxious as the threat of airstrikes looms nightly, exacerbating his distress.

“I worry about studying, my future, and am consumed by thoughts of bombs…” he laments, encapsulating the relentless anxiety burdening children like him.

The war has forcibly shrunk their world, confining many to their homes with schools closed and streets patrolled by militia, leaving families awaiting hope for lasting peace.

In Tehran, at human rights centers, counselors like Aysha assist distraught parents grappling with the mental well-being of their children. Reports from health professionals cite alarming increases in sleep disturbances, nightmares, and behavioral issues related to stress and trauma.

Moreover, the Iranian regime is urging parents to allow their children to partake in military operations, a violation of international humanitarian laws regarding the recruitment of minors. This alarming trend sees many children put at risk under the guise of heroism.

As negotiations continue in an attempt to forge a more permanent ceasefire, experts warn that even if tranquility returns, the psychological scars created during this turbulent period could last a lifetime. The lasting damage inflicted by violence, the militarization of youth, and the loss of a safe environment threaten the very fabric of childhood in Iran.

“When children are thrust into a world of war,” a concerned parent states, “there is no turning back. We must protect their innocence.”