A recent survey of 2,000 Ukrainian mothers from all regions of the country revealed disturbing facts:
• Since the start of the war, the number of children doing poorly in school has climbed seven-fold.
• In December 2022, school studies were interrupted almost every day or several times a week by air raid sirens (68%), blackouts (60%), no internet service (57%), no heat (17%), or lack of a teacher (8%).
• Parental report of child mental health indicates an overall decline. When comparing pre-war to now, data show a decrease from 35% to 11% of those reporting very good mental health.
• Children in front-line regions are experiencing a fifteen-fold increase in mental health issues since the invasion; those in Kyiv a seven-fold increase over the same period.
More than 5 million Ukrainian children have been displaced by the war; some left the country while other relocated inside Ukraine, including within rocket-distance of the war. Sadly, 28% of kids have been separated from a family member in the past year, and 24% experienced some form of shelling or bombing. Thankfully children are resilient and adapt to new surroundings, but thousands of Ukrainian children are showing signs of anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder; many children now feel the world is an unsafe place.
Jewish Relief Network Ukraine is helping children. Thanks to generous donors and supporters, we are providing daily necessities and much more: food, clothes, medicine, medical, dental and mental health care, toys, school supplies and holiday treats! We will continue to support families and children throughout the war and beyond.
Sources: USA Today
