Bereaved children
- Premature loss of primary carer
- Death of parent
Nature
Children who have lost a parent, sibling or other loved one lack the experience that adults can have to cope with their own pain and emotions. Children express their grief in their ways of behaving. They act out their feelings and emotions. We cannot always know what they are thinking or feeling. Withdrawal, aggressiveness, panic, anxiety, anger, guilt, fear, regression and symptoms of bodily distress can all be signs of grief.
Incidence
Globally, millions of children experience the death of a parent each year. In the United States alone, it is estimated that by age 18, approximately 1 in 14 children (over 5 million) will lose a parent or sibling (Judi’s House/JAG Institute, 2023). Rates are higher in regions affected by conflict, disease, or disasters, such as sub-Saharan Africa, where the HIV/AIDS epidemic has left millions of children orphaned.
In 2022, the war in Ukraine resulted in thousands of children losing one or both parents due to military conflict and displacement. UNICEF reported that by mid-2022, over 1,000 children had been killed or injured, with many more bereaved.
In 2022, the war in Ukraine resulted in thousands of children losing one or both parents due to military conflict and displacement. UNICEF reported that by mid-2022, over 1,000 children had been killed or injured, with many more bereaved.
Claim
Bereaved children face profound emotional turmoil that can shape their entire lives. The loss of a loved one disrupts their sense of security and can lead to long-term psychological issues, including anxiety and depression. Society often overlooks their unique needs, leaving them isolated in their grief. It is imperative that we prioritize support systems, education, and resources for these vulnerable children. Ignoring their pain is not an option; we must advocate for their healing and well-being.
Counter-claim
While the loss of a loved one is undeniably tragic, the notion that bereaved children require special attention is overstated. Children are remarkably resilient and often adapt quickly to change. Focusing excessively on their grief can inadvertently hinder their emotional growth. Instead of emphasizing their loss, we should encourage them to move forward and embrace life. Overprotecting bereaved children may create a culture of victimhood rather than fostering strength and independence.
Broader
Narrower
Aggravates
Aggravated by
Related
Strategy
Value
Reference
SDG
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
Content quality
Presentable
Language
English
1A4N
E7691
DOCID
11576910
D7NID
138318
Last update
Oct 4, 2020
Official link