Learning about landmines with kids when travelling
We believe that it’s important that kids learn about different topics, even ones that may be difficult or a little scary - particularly when it impacts their safety. Landmines are a sad fact of life in many areas of the world, including Viet Nam. This article is written for kids, explaining landmines, and how they can stay safe while travelling. While the language is aimed at children, it may also be useful for adults. At the end of the article are some resources for parents to learn more and tips for further discussion.
What are landmines?
Landmines are a type of weapon that are sometimes used during wars. Many countries have made landmines illegal because they’re so dangerous, but in lots of places they were left in place after a war and never picked up again. Landmines are small pieces of metal which explode if someone stands on them. They can cause injuries or even death for people who stand on them or pick them up. They are usually hidden in bushes or buried a little bit underground so they’re not very easy to see. That’s why they can be dangerous – you can’t see them very easily.
Landmines are often put down in groups – not just one. This is called a minefield. It’s even more dangerous because if one landmine explodes, it can make the other landmines explode as well.
Where are there Landmines?
78 different countries have landmines. The countries with the most landmines are:
Egypt
Iran
Afghanistan
Angola
But they are present in lots of other countries, including Viet Nam, Cambodia, Ukraine, Colombia and many others. You can easily check if a country has landmines by doing some research on Google or looking on the ICBL website.
How can I be careful of Landmines?
It’s very important to stay on the path in areas where there might be landmines. Paths are walked by lots of people, so you know they’re safe. Off the path can be dangerous. It’s also important to look for signs about landmines, and always pay attention to them. Landmine signs usually look like this:
If you accidentally end up in a minefield there are some simple rules. Stay still and call for help. Do not sit down, or move your feet. If there are people walking with you, make sure they know there are landmines around, and they should stand still too.
If there is no one to hear you calling for help, slowly walk backwards where you came, placing your feet in exactly the same spot that you walked before. Don’t walk forward, and don’t run. You need to stay very calm.
Landmines are very serious and very dangerous – you should never play or joke about or around landmines or minefields. Always, always stay away from landmines.
We’ve made a little infographic with some more details about landmines:
Should I be scared of landmines?
Overall, no.
Although landmines are very dangerous, in most places where there are landmines, there are also signs telling you to stay away. It’s important to pay attention to landmine signs, and to warnings from local people. If they tell you to stay away from somewhere, you shouldn’t ever go there – even on an adventure. Sadly, landmines kill and injure people every year.
However, if you stay away from landmines, you will be safe. Landmines are mostly dangerous for local people who work in fields or travel through the jungle.
Can I help stop landmines?
Yes, you can! There are quite a few charities which work to either ban landmines completely like the International Campaign to Ban Landmines or to remove landmines safely, like the HALO Trust. These charities are always looking for donations or fundraising, and there are various other ways you can volunteer. Check out their websites to learn more, although make sure to ask a grown up first – sometimes the website can have sad photos on them, and an adult will want to check them first.
FOR PARENTS:
There aren’t a huge number of resources available about landmines specifically targeted at children, at least not resources which are publicly available. In general, children respond well to calm discussion of the overarching problem, followed by clear instructions, e.g. ‘stick to the path’.
If you are looking for more information about landmines and mine safety, pages 8-10 of the Mine Risk Handbook are very helpful for details to look for.
We hope to soon release a short children’s story about landmine safety which is suitable for younger children (3-6 years old). It is currently being translated from Dutch.
Our mission at Deliberate Travel Kids is to spark kids’ curiosity about the world
We do this through our online workbooks, which use activities and puzzles to get kids thinking and learning about different countries, including ones they might not know much about.
We explore the history, geography and culture of different places, teaching research skills and open-mindedness the whole way.
