The Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (IASC MHPSS RG) has developed the Actions for Heroes, a guide to help children cope with COVID-related stressors. It accompanies My Hero is You, how kids can fight COVID-19, which was published in March 2020.
My Hero is You helped children understand, cope and adapt to the pandemic. It received global attention and was translated into 135+ languages along with numerous multimedia adaptations. COVID-19 has changed the daily lives of children around the world. Many cannot attend school, and those that can have to follow restrictions and learn how to ‘socially distance’. Comprehending these drastic changes can be difficult, especially for young children who often experience frustration and fear during the pandemic.
Actions for Heroes supports parents, caregivers and teachers in empowering children to both express their feelings related to COVID-19 and to develop coping mechanisms in the face of the pandemic. Actions for Heroes directs adults on how to have a heartfelt dialogue with children and to educate them about coping with COVID-19 related challenges. It is recommended that adults read the storybook with children. The guide not only explains how adults can create safe spaces for children to openly share their feelings about the virus, but it also directs adults on how to promote positive actions for children to protect themselves and others.
