How does war affect a child’s brain?

Veteran war reporter Fergal Keane on PTSD among children in conflicts worldwide.

An episode of the The Global Story podcast, hosted by BBC World Service, titled "How does war affect a child’s brain?" was published on March 17, 2026 and runs 26 minutes.

March 17, 2026 ·26m · The Global Story

0:00 / 0:00

Summary

For nearly forty years, Fergal Keane has reported for the BBC from some of the world’s most brutal conflicts – in Gaza, Iraq, Rwanda, Sudan, Ukraine and beyond – and in that time interviewed scores of children who are the innocent victims of adult wars. As he came to understand the impacts of trauma on young minds, Keane began too to experience his own mental breakdowns – the result of a troubled childhood and a career spent running towards danger – and was eventually diagnosed with PTSD. In today’s episode, he reflects on what he has learned from his own experiences and reporting about how childhood traumas can be treated, and the hope for those living through today’s wars. Producer: Hannah Moore Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: Displaced children play in Gaza, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Haitham Imad/ EPA/ Shutterstock.

Episode Description

For nearly forty years, Fergal Keane has reported for the BBC from some of the world’s most brutal conflicts – in Gaza, Iraq, Rwanda, Sudan, Ukraine and beyond – and in that time interviewed scores of children who are the innocent victims of adult wars.

As he came to understand the impacts of trauma on young minds, Keane began too to experience his own mental breakdowns – the result of a troubled childhood and a career spent running towards danger – and was eventually diagnosed with PTSD.

In today’s episode, he reflects on what he has learned from his own experiences and reporting about how childhood traumas can be treated, and the hope for those living through today’s wars.

Producer: Hannah Moore

Executive producer: Bridget Harney

Mix: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins

Photo: Displaced children play in Gaza, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Haitham Imad/ EPA/ Shutterstock.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

#6 Polish Fairy Tale - Prince Kindhearted

Mar 27, 2017 ·13m

#5 - Romanian Fairy Tale - Youth Without Age And Life Without Death - Part Three

Mar 23, 2017 ·8m

#5 - Romanian Fairy Tale - Youth Without Age And Life Without Death - Part Two

Mar 23, 2017 ·11m

#5 - Romanian Fairy Tale - Youth Without Age And Life Without Death - Part One

Mar 23, 2017 ·9m

#4 - Hungarian Story - The Moonlight Somnambulist - MAURICE JÓKAI

Mar 20, 2017 ·9m

#1 - Romanian Fairy Tale - The Little Purse with Two Half-Pennies

Mar 18, 2017 ·10m

Similar Podcasts

Global Story Archives - Global Disciples Global Disciples The Global Story is a 3-minute snapshot of what God is doing in and through Global Disciples and those we train to multiply disciples around the world. These stories focus on the transforming work of the Holy Spirit and the efforts of church planting disciple-makers among least-reached people. Rome Audio Guides izi.TRAVEL Dear traveller,Visit Rome with us and make the most out of the wonderful and historical capital of the Italy! Choose one of our free walking, bike or auto tours and discover the city's picturesque palaces, its churches, monuments and its history, while immersing yourself in its fascinating atmosphere! Ready? Press play!izi.TRAVEL is the global storytelling platform which offers a new world in audio guides for city tours and museums. If you want the full experience of our tours, download the free izi.TRAVEL app for iOS, Android and Windows Phone, or visit our website izi.TRAVEL for more information. Barcelona Audio Guides izi.TRAVEL Dear traveller,Visit Barcelona with us and make the most out of the wonderful monumental city of Gaudy! Choose one of our free walking, bike or auto tours and discover the city's churches, monuments, picturesque streets, its architecture and its history, while immersing yourself in its fascinating atmosphere! Ready? Press play!izi.TRAVEL is the global storytelling platform which offers a new world in audio guides for city tours and museums. If you want the full experience of our tours, download the free izi.TRAVEL app for iOS, Android and Windows Phone, or visit our website izi.TRAVEL for more information. Budapest Audio Guides izi.TRAVEL Dear traveller,Visit Budapest with us and make the most out of the wonderful, historic capital of Hungary at the Danube River! Choose one of our free walking, bike or auto tours and discover the city's churches, monuments, palaces and its history, while immersing yourself in its fascinating atmosphere! Ready? Press play!izi.TRAVEL is the global storytelling platform which offers a new world in audio guides for city tours and museums. If you want the full experience of our tours, download the free izi.TRAVEL app for iOS, Android and Windows Phone, or visit our website izi.TRAVEL for more information.

URL copied to clipboard!