The effect of war on children

The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the effects of war on children during the 20th century. It is argued that wars have both direct and indirect effects on the population. It also is noted that wars have changed from being "conventional" to being of "low intensity". Under these latter circumstances civilians, including children, as well as the infrastructure of the society become targets whereas in the past, the targets were usually only military ones. The effects of the strategy used in "low intensity" conflicts is the disruption of the medical, social, educational, and public services of a country and the terrorization of the population. Under these circumstances children suffer inordinately. Their homes are destroyed, their families disrupted, and their chances of becoming mature productive members of society are compromised.