Psychologist warns war-displaced Lebanese children are losing developmental skills

September 7, 2026 - 03:10

A psychologist working with families in Lebanon has raised alarms that children forced from their homes by the ongoing conflict are losing ground in basic developmental milestones. The specialist, who has been conducting field assessments in shelters and temporary housing, says the disruption is not just about missed school days. It is about the erosion of skills already learned.

According to the psychologist, many children who had mastered language basics or social routines are now showing signs of regression. Younger kids are forgetting how to hold a pencil properly. Older ones are struggling with concentration and memory. The constant noise, overcrowding, and lack of private space in shelters make it nearly impossible for parents to maintain daily learning routines. Even simple activities like reading a bedtime story or practicing writing have become rare.

The expert also pointed to emotional stress as a major factor. Children who are anxious or scared cannot absorb new information. Their brains are in survival mode, not learning mode. This means that even if they are physically safe, their cognitive growth is stunted. The psychologist noted that some children have stopped speaking altogether, while others have reverted to behaviors like thumb-sucking or bed-wetting.

There is also a generational gap forming. Older children who should be acting as role models are instead withdrawn or aggressive. The lack of structured play and peer interaction has hurt their ability to solve problems or share. The psychologist stressed that these are not permanent losses, but the longer the displacement continues, the harder it will be to recover. Immediate intervention is needed, including safe play spaces, basic educational materials, and training for parents on how to support their kids under these harsh conditions. Without that, the psychologist warned, an entire generation could carry the scars of this war well into adulthood.