Are we the problem?

In today’s fast-paced world, desensitisation and unconscious bias are increasingly influencing how adults perceive and respond to the needs of children. Constant exposure to distressing news, social media content, and societal issues can numb our emotional responses, leading to a reduced sensitivity to the suffering or needs of the most vulnerable—children.

When children act out, express strong emotions, or struggle with behaviour, instead of pausing to consider what they might be trying to communicate, we may fall back on assumptions shaped by unconscious bias. These biases—related to race, gender, socioeconomic status, or even perceived “naughtiness”—can cause us to misinterpret a child’s behavior and respond with judgment rather than empathy. We always say “Behaviour is just data!”

Desensitisation also plays a role when troubling behaviour becomes normalised. A child withdrawing emotionally, a student consistently acting out, or a young person expressing signs of anxiety might be overlooked, simply because such behaviours are becoming too familiar. We may stop asking, “Why is this happening?” and start thinking, “That’s just how kids are these days.”

To change this, we need to re-sensitise ourselves—slow down, reflect, and become more mindful in our interactions with children. Recognizing our unconscious biases and actively working to challenge them allows us to meet each child as an individual, not a stereotype. It’s about seeing beyond the behavior and listening with curiosity and compassion.