Comprehensive Guide for Promoting Physical Activity and Play for Children During War Crisis

In response to the war crisis and the increasing mental and emotional concerns of children, the Research Institute of Physical Education and Sports, based on the recommendations of the International Play and Sports Organization for Children, has prepared important guidelines for parents and educators to support the reduction of children’s stress and anxiety through play and physical activity during these difficult times.

According to the Public Relations , amid the war crisis and the anxiety caused by attacks and unrest, protecting children’s mental health and maintaining their vitality and calmness is of great importance. To this end, the Research Institute of Physical Education and Sports of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology has issued a special guideline that offers a collection of active and appropriate play strategies for children in crisis situations. This valuable guide, prepared based on the recommendations of the International Play and Sports Organization for Children, includes key points to help parents and educators effectively support children during this challenging period.

Dr. Ali Kashi, faculty member of the Research Institute of Physical Education and Sports, stated:
“This guide comprehensively covers important issues such as the significance of maintaining an appropriate level of physical activity for children, strategies to reduce stress through play at home, supporting and responding properly to children’s play needs during the crisis, managing challenging play behaviors at home, types of games that can be played indoors and outdoors during this time, online activities, and entertaining solutions when leaving the house is limited. Using this guideline can serve as a comprehensive reference for physical activity and play during crises, significantly enhancing the knowledge of parents and educators.”

He added that studying and implementing this guideline is not only very useful but essential for educators, caregivers, and especially parents, who play a vital role in supporting the psychological and physical well-being of children.
Contents of the Guideline (Attached):

    The importance of play during war crises

    Supporting children’s play in crisis conditions

    Key points for responding to children’s play

    Games involving difficult themes such as loss and trauma

    Examples of challenging games

    Managing noisy or potentially destructive play at home

    Accepting messiness and messy play indoors

    Items you can use for play at home

    Simple games for outdoor times

    Internet-based and screen/mobile activities

    Playing when you cannot leave the house

    Final excellent recommendations for children’s play during war crises

It is recommended that for the mental health and vitality of children, this guide be carefully studied and incorporated into families’ daily routines. Activists in this field are also urged to disseminate this guideline to effectively raise parents’ awareness and help alleviate families’ concerns about their children.