Almost half of Denmark’s oldest public school students are most worried about war and global conflict – more than school-related stress or lack of free time – according to new findings from UNICEF Denmark and the Danish Institute for Human Rights. While Denmark is no way near a warzone, stil Danish kids fear war, due to increasing news coverage and the constant stream of graphic content on social media.
Fear of War Dominates Young Minds
Worries about war and international conflict are increasingly taking a psychological toll on Danish schoolchildren. A new national survey conducted by UNICEF Denmark and the Danish Institute for Human Rights reveals that nearly 45% of students in grades six through nine now rank the fear of war as their top concern, more so than grades or personal time.
The study highlights a growing sense of unease among Danish youth, fueled by continuous media exposure to global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, political tensions in the United States, and escalating violence in the Middle East. For many students, these events feel less like distant happenings and more like looming threats to their immediate futures.
Child Helplines Reports More Danish Kids Fear War
Organizations such as Børns Vilkår, known for running Denmark’s national child helpline Børnetelefonen, report an uptick in children calling or writing due to anxiety triggered by global unrest. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the number of conversations about war has remained consistently high—accounting for about 0.5% of all contacts, a small but consistent share that indicates lasting impact.
Children and teens share a range of fears, from the use of nuclear weapons to the possibility of conflict reaching Denmark. Some describe a persistent sense of hopelessness, believing their futures are overshadowed by impending catastrophe. One 14-year-old girl who reached out to Børns Vilkår said she was worried that the world was on the brink of a third world war – an anxiety echoed by countless others.
Media and Social Media Intensify Anxiety
Experts attribute much of the rise in youth anxiety to the constant stream of often graphic content across social media platforms. Children as young as ten are regularly exposed to violent footage, images, and news reports that they struggle to process.
This partial or uncontextualized exposure can lead to misinterpretations and inflated fears, particularly when information is absorbed through platforms like TikTok or Instagram, where sensational content spreads rapidly and often without nuance. Many children absorb fragments of disturbing news not through classrooms or parents, but through viral video clips shared among their peers.
Classrooms Are Not Exempt
Concern over war has also made its way into classrooms. Teachers report that discussions around violence, political instability, and military conflict have become more frequent and emotionally charged in recent years. According to the Danish student organization Danske Skoleelever, students regularly express distress in classroom discussions and are often left with unanswered questions, which make Danish kids fear war even more.
The organization urges educators to create safe environments for dialogue and acknowledges that while it’s not teachers’ responsibility to solve global crises, they play a key role in helping students navigate fear and uncertainty.
The Role of Adults in Addressing Youth Concerns
Experts argue that well-meaning adults often make the mistake of simply telling children not to worry, which can unintentionally amplify anxiety. Instead, professionals recommend open, age-appropriate conversations that encourage expression and provide reassurance without downplaying legitimate fears.
The Institute for Human Rights emphasizes that society has a responsibility to provide emotional safety for young people, especially during turbulent times. As global events continue to be tumultuous and at times frightening, giving youth the tools and emotional support to manage their fears becomes crucial.
Tips for Talking to Children About War
Child welfare experts recommend several strategies for adults when discussing topics like war with children:
- Create space for children to express their worries and validate their feelings.
- Offer reassurance while being honest within an age-appropriate context.
- Limit exposure to distressing news, especially for younger children.
- Use information to counter rumors or misunderstandings picked up online.
- Stay engaged on social media platforms to understand what children are being exposed to.
These findings underscore the growing mental health burden faced by Denmark’s youth. Almost half of Danish kids fear war (aged 11 to 15) and rank war and global instability as their greatest concerns. Experts urge parents, teachers, and policymakers to prioritize new avenues for dialogue and support in an increasingly uneasy world.
