As news alerts flash and unfamiliar sounds spark concern over regional tensions, many families in Dubai are looking for the best way to explain the situation to their children and provide reassurance.
As headlines light up screens and unfamiliar sounds raise anxious questions about regional tensions, many Dubai families are facing conversations they never anticipated.
Last week, schools across the UAE moved to distance learning. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Education announced that Spring Break will now take place from March 9 to 22, instead of the originally scheduled March 16 to 27.
Helping Children Navigate Anxiety Amid Regional Tensions in Dubai
As headlines flash across screens and unfamiliar sounds raise concerns, many families in Dubai are facing conversations they never expected. Children of all ages are asking questions like:
- “Are we safe?”
- “Are those fireworks?”
- “When will schools open?”
For parents, the challenge is not just answering these questions but doing so calmly.
Safety Is Felt and Understood
Dr. Neil Hopkin, Director of Education at Fortes Education in Dubai, says emotional security is the starting point. “Our first responsibility is ensuring children feel safe — not just objectively, but perceived safety,” he explains. Reassurance should acknowledge children’s fears rather than dismiss them. Children often build entire narratives from single images or sounds, which can spiral without adult guidance.
Even with distance learning, maintaining connection is key. “Whether online or asynchronous, classrooms and school relationships remain protective factors,” he said.
Late-Night Talks and Teen Questions
For parents of teenagers, conversations have been deeper and more reflective. Gurleen Arora, speaking about her 16-year-old daughter, notes, “She reads the news, asks questions, and wants honest answers. Community solidarity has helped, and I remind her this phase, like Covid, will pass.”
Perspective also matters. Having grown up in a country that experienced uncertainty, Arora says the UAE’s stability allows her to reassure her daughter confidently.
Younger Children Ask Simpler, Repeated Questions
For younger children, questions often focus on routine: “What’s happening?” or “Can I go out and play?” says Elena Rusu, whose 10-year-old son has struggled with canceled activities and playground visits. She simplifies the situation: “Things are tense for a few days, and we need to be careful.” Consistency and calmness, she says, are crucial even without perfect clarity.
The Power of a Calm Adult
School leaders stress that children’s questions are often a search for reassurance. Anitha Blessie Rozario, Head of Inclusion at Woodlem Park Al Hamidiya Private School, explains: “Children often ask questions to feel safe. A calm, steady response helps them feel protected.”
Dubai-based life coach Girish Hemnani notes that children absorb emotional cues before understanding facts. “Their nervous system reads safety from the adults around them,” he said. Simple reassurances work for younger children, while teenagers benefit from open discussions that foster critical thinking about graphic or sensational online content.
Physical signs of anxiety — irritability, clinginess, sleep issues, or stomach aches — are common. Restoring routine, shared meals, play, and predictable schedules can help recalibrate a child’s system.
When to Seek Extra Support
Dr. Renuka Ramasamy, family medicine specialist at International Modern Hospital, warns that sustained exposure to alarming news can increase stress hormones. Routine, structure, and controlled media exposure help children cope. Parents should monitor prolonged sleep disturbances, withdrawal, regression, or declining participation. Professional evaluation is recommended if symptoms persist beyond two weeks or impair daily life.
Simple strategies include a digital sunset (avoiding news 60–90 minutes before bed), fixed sleep routines, and grounding exercises such as the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to redirect anxious thoughts.
“Structure, controlled media exposure, and open communication are key. When symptoms exceed coping capacity, timely professional guidance ensures recovery and resilience,” Dr. Ramasamy said.
