Russia's attack on Ukraine has made children in early childhood education witnesses to social media images and video footage of the war. It is important for staff to be aware of the digital world of children. This support material helps in backing up early education and preschool education personnel in handling content encountered by children.

Russia's attack on Ukraine has increased the possibility that younger children might see pictures and videos on social media that relate to the crisis. In addition to images in the news, potentially disturbing content connected with war and violence can be shared on social media outlets that are favoured by children and young people. Children encounter war-related images through traditional media as well. 


Video material and photographs have been shared on social media showing, for example, soldiers preparing for war, air raid shelters, destruction caused by war, and people fleeing and pleading for help. Amidst authentic pictures and videos there is content that has been enhanced by using frightening sounds, for example. Soothing words and emojis are used as commentary on videos distributed in the crisis area, using the country's own flag to show support for Ukraine. Children and young people comfort each other by sharing thoughts related to the news. Preschool aged children can see such content while in the company of their older siblings or parents, for example.


It is important for early childhood education staff to be familiar with the digital world that the children inhabit and with the digital experiences that they have. It is important for staff to understand a child's ability to process what they see and hear. Not all platforms used by children have reliable content distributed by officials.  The truthfulness of content shared on social media channels cannot always be verified. If necessary, it is also possible to restrict or reduce the use of media consumed by, and the safety of sites that children visit can be checked.  Most channels on social media have an age limit of 13 years.


The war also raises concern among personnel. If members of staff discuss the situation among themselves, it is best to make sure that children do not overhear the conversation.  It is also good to consider that some children do not see the news, and that the situation has not necessarily been discussed in the homes of all the children. 

Back to top

The issue of Russia's attack on Ukraine might come up in discussions in early childhood education. Shocking photos and videos can trigger feelings of fear and anguish. A child might feel concern that the war might expand. When discussing the matter, it is important to consider the age and development level of the children.  

Children may have seen very many kinds of content, depending on the medium. A child's sense that they can talk and ask questions about everything they have seen and heard should be reinforced: listen and discuss the situation calmly. Although there are authentic photographs and videos on social media, it is good to let children know that not all the pictures and videos reflect reality. Staff can help children put the emotions and interpretations raised by the pictures and discussions into words.

Children's questions should be given fact-based answers using concrete vocabulary. Tell the children that efforts are under way to resolve the war situation. It is important for the dominant feeling to be one of safety and being cared for. In this exceptional period, staff must make sure that each child is listened to and supported. 

A child has the right to a safe digital environment Digital skills and knowledge as well as media literacy corresponding to the foundations of the early education plan as part of multiliteracy include the use of a safe digital environment. Safe content that gives rise to positive experiences should be shared with children. Meanwhile, it is a good idea to talk about what to do if they see something on the internet that raises questions or is frightening. It is possible to concretely discuss what to do in such a situation together with the children.   

There are children and employees in early childhood education who have come to Finland as asylum-seekers or as refugees. The situation can awaken painful memories and a need to talk about past events. 

Immediate intervention is needed if there are any indications of discrimination and racism in what the children say. It is important to underscore when talking to children that Russia's attack on Ukraine is not the fault of any child or adult living in Finland. Every child has the right to a safe environment in early age education. 

Cooperation between early age education and the home is important. It is important to inform parents and guardians if the Russian attack against Ukraine and news related it lead children to want to talk about it.  It is important for parents and guardians to be aware of the discussions that their children have been involved in. Personnel should take up the issue with a parent or guardian if concern arises about the child's use of social media and the child's general state of well-being. If necessary, the family should be guided to seek support from the services of a child health clinic.

When communicating with the home, advice can be given on how to discuss the matter. 
 

Back to top