Child Soldiers and Mental Health

Abstract

Every day it is estimated that some 5,000 children are newly displaced due to conflict somewhere in the world. Many may be able to flee violence with their families, but an increasing number become separated and risk being recruited into armed groups as a result of erupting wars. Whether victims or perpetrators of violence, during conflict children see the protective fabric around them collapse as homes are destroyed, families are uprooted, schools and health services are ransacked, and communities become consumed by violence.