Five ways children are most vulnerable in crises—and how we can protect them 

Without immediate, life-saving support and protection, children are left vulnerable to hunger, violence, exploitation and other countless dangers. 

By understanding the biggest risks children face in emergencies, we can act strategically—delivering urgent aid while prioritizing the protection of children in the process.  

1. Separation from family 

When conflict or natural disasters strike, families are often forced to flee their homes. In the ensuing chaos, children can be separated from their families or loved ones.  

Children also face the perils of separation if a parent or guardian is killed by a natural disaster, armed conflict or during the process of migration.  

Whatever the cause, the result is the same: A child is alone, struggling to process deep emotional and psychological trauma while navigating a continued life-threatening situation without the protection, guidance or care of a loving family member.  

Read more about the damaging long-term effects of family separation on children. 

While alone, children are vulnerable, experiencing:   

• Deep emotional and psychological trauma from the horrors they’ve faced 

• Higher risks of labor and sex trafficking and other forms of exploitation  

• Physical, mental and sexual abuse 

• Limited access to food, shelter and medical care and little knowledge of where to go to access aid 

To ensure all children have the protection and dignity they deserve, child-friendly spaces—staffed by trauma-informed trained caregivers and psychologists—are essential. 

SOS Children’s Villages implements these child-friendly spaces for children to receive the protection and emotional support they need while staff attempts to locate family and reunite children with parents or other biological family members. 

2. Malnutrition and food insecurity 

In 2024, at least 18.2 million children were born into hunger—about 35 infants per minute—and humanitarian crises only exacerbate hunger and food insecurity. Disruptions in food supply chains and economic collapse threaten children’s access to healthy, consistent food. 

After fleeing a conflict or natural disaster, parents have often lost everything—even if food is available, they can’t afford to purchase this basic need for their families.  

Without proper nutrition, a child’s physical health, emotional well-being and success in school are threatened. Physical growth can be stunted, and they are at increased risk of acute malnourishment—a severe condition that can lead to muscle wasting, blurred vision, organ damage and, if untreated, death.  

Read more about the impact of hunger on children. 

3. Lack of access to education  

In many cases, conflicts or disasters turn schools into shelters or worse—destroy them entirely. And, without access to quality, uninterrupted education, a child’s future success is jeopardized. 

When children are unable to attend school, they’re in danger of:  

• Lower literacy rates and decreased future job opportunities which perpetuate cycles of economic instability or poverty 

•  A higher risk of child labor, exploitation and other forms of abuse without the protection of a safe place to learn 

• Increased mental distress from lack of routine, support network and socialization 

4. Increased risk of violence and exploitation 

In times of emergencies—especially without the protection of a safe, loving family—children face a higher risk of child labor and trafficking, forced marriage, sexual violence and recruitment into armed groups. 

That’s why SOS protects children with everything they need to heal: Safe shelters, child-friendly spaces, trauma-informed trained caregivers and psychological support.  

5. Mental health and trauma 

Children who experience the horrors of war, violence or natural disasters frequently suffer from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.  

Without support, these mental health challenges can transform into long-term emotional distress that follows them far into adulthood, affecting every aspect of their lives and relationships.  

With trauma-informed care by trained psychologists, SOS helps children process and cope with their emotions, begin to heal and—eventually—rebuild their sense of trust and security, so they can move forward into a brighter future. 

How you can help protect children in crisis 

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, loving home with a future filled with opportunity—and children in crisis need us now more than ever. 

You can ensure children in crisis have the life-saving aid and long-term support they need by giving your support to the Children in Crisis Fund, or maximize your impact by becoming an SOS Guardian and shield the children who need you most!