In war, children don't just hear the bombing in the same way adults do. They lack the tools to understand, interpret, or place the danger within a political and military context. Therefore, sudden noises, displacement, and the loss of home, routine, or loved ones can shatter their fundamental sense of security.

UNICEF estimates that more than 473 million children—over one in six worldwide—live in conflict-affected areas. The World Health Organization confirms that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to threatening or extremely traumatic events. That family and social support after such an event can mitigate the risk of developing the disorder.