Syrian children suffering 'toxic' psychological stress

Syrian children traumatised by exposure to war are attempting self harm and suicide, a report says.

Children run away after the war-crafts belonging to the Russian army and Assad regime bombing in Aleppo, Syria on July 23, 2016. Source: Getty Images

A new report says Syrian children are showing symptoms of "toxic stress" from war exposure and attempting self-harm and suicide.

The report from Save the Children comes on the eve of the sixth anniversary of the Syrian war and calls on all sides to prioritise mental health issues before children develop lasting complications they will carry into adulthood.

Researchers spoke with 450 children, adolescents and adults across Syria.

Adults said the cause of psychological stress is the constant shelling and bombardment that characterise the war. They said children do not feel safe at school and are developing speech disorders and incontinence. Some are losing the capacity to speak. Schools have been targeted frequently in the conflict.