In recent years, the number of global emergencies such as natural hazards has increased, affecting millions of people, especially children and adolescents, who are among the most vulnerable. During emergencies, children often lose their sense of routine, such as the opportunity to attend school or have safe and familiar spaces to play and socialize with their peers. Moreover, the psychological effects that an emergency has on parents or teachers can amplify the impact of the trauma on minors. This happens because children and adolescents rely on adults to interpret and cope with the reality around them. Therefore, educating children on how to prepare for and cope with such events is crucial for reducing their vulnerability and enhancing their resilience.
To achieve this goal, close collaboration between schools, first and second responders, youth organizations, and local communities becomes essential to ensure emergency preparedness for minors and the communities they belong to. One of the objectives of the SYNERGIES project, in which Save the Children Italy is a partner, is providing stakeholders with effective tools for emergency preparedness, with a specific focus on at-risk groups such as minors.
Planning for a children-centered disaster management
One of Save the Children’s core missions is promoting youth rights and participation among different stakeholders. With the aim of supporting disaster managers in drafting Local Disaster Management Plans that pay particular attention to the rights and needs of minors, Save the Children, in collaboration with the Italian Department of Civil Protection, has produced a document entitled “Guidelines for child-centered disaster management planning”
The document provides ten recommendations – called Actions – aimed at creating a protection system that addresses the needs of young people, actively involving communities and local authorities to build more disaster-resilient communities. The ten Actions are available (in Italian) on the Save the Children website and summarised below.
- Identifying a Coordinator for Children’s Rights During Emergencies
This dedicated coordinator is responsible for overseeing all activities involving children and adolescents during emergency planning. His/her role is to ensure that children’s needs are integrated into disaster management plans at every stage – before, during, and after emergencies. Responsibilities include establishing child-specific warning systems, verifying evacuation plans, and ensuring specific care for vulnerable children.
- Mapping Services for Minors and Evacuation Procedures
This Action emphasizes the integration of minors’ needs into Local Disaster Management Plans through mapping facilities such as schools and recreational centers. This includes developing evacuation protocols for schools, conducting regular drills to familiarize students with emergency procedures, and clearly defining roles for school staff during evacuations.
- Ensuring Educational Continuity
Maintaining educational activities during emergencies is vital for children’s rights to education and their overall well-being. This underlines the need for Local Disaster Management Plans to include strategies to minimize disruptions, such as utilizing online learning platforms, identifying alternative learning sites, and ensuring that schools can double as emergency shelters when necessary.
- Coordinating with Youth-Oriented Organizations
Engaging with local voluntary organizations and educational institutions in the preparatory phase is pivotal for effectively preparing minors for emergencies. Collaborative efforts can include tailored drills based on local risks and training for civil protection personnel and community members on children’s rights during emergencies.
- Establishing Child-Friendly Spaces
Local Disaster Management Plans should incorporate designated safe areas for children within or near shelters, the so-called Child-Friendly Spaces, equipped with appropriate amenities. These spaces should offer structured activities led by trained professionals, be accessible to all children, and undergo rigorous assessments to ensure inclusivity.
- Adopting a Code of Conduct for Child Protection
To safeguard minors during emergencies, organizations must implement strict child safeguarding standards. This includes staff training, establishing a code of conduct for those interacting with children, and ensuring oversight to monitor and report any instances of abuse or neglect.
- Providing Psychosocial Support
Emergencies often inflict significant psychological stress on children. It is essential to incorporate psychosocial interventions, such as Psychological First Aid, to help foster resilience. This Action aims at strengthening the importance of establishing a strategy that includes building support networks involving families and schools, training caregivers to recognize trauma symptoms, and creating safe spaces for children to express their feelings.
- Ensuring Access to Emergency Medical Services
Timely medical care for children during disasters is crucial. Local Disaster Management Plans should specifically address the needs of children and adolescents, ensuring the presence of trained pediatricians in emergency settings and providing comprehensive training for all medical staff on pediatric care.
- Promoting Disaster Preparedness Education in Schools
Schools play a vital role in preparing children to be active community members. Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) topics into curricula, organizing expert-led discussions, and conducting evacuation drills can significantly enhance preparedness and community ties during emergencies.
- Encouraging Child Participation in Disaster Management
In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children should be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives, particularly in disaster management. Empowering children through education about local risks, simplifying disaster plans for better understanding, and involving them in community awareness activities can significantly enhance resilience and preparedness.
By implementing these ten Actions, stakeholders can work towards building more resilient communities that not only protect minors during emergencies but also empower them to play active roles in safeguarding their future. The focus on education, psychosocial support, and community involvement is crucial for ensuring that the voices of children are heard, and their rights are respected in all phases of emergency management.
Images credits: Francesca Leonardi x Save the Children
