Experts Warn Fidesz’s Anti-War Campaign Poses Severe Risk to Children
The Fidesz government’s ongoing campaign against war has sparked controversy and concern among child advocate experts. Described as unlawful, harmful, dangerous, and incomprehensible, the “Stop War” campaign has raised serious questions about its impact on children’s rights.
In recent weeks, the streets of Hungary have been filled with posters declaring “Stop War” in bold letters, accompanied by advertisements on YouTube warning of the dangers of war if opposition politicians come to power. One incident in Piliscsaba, where an anti-war poster had to be relocated from a school after parental complaints, highlighted the divisive nature of the campaign.
Child rights experts interviewed by People’s Word expressed worry about the psychological effects of the government’s war campaign on children. Mária Herczog, a sociologist and advocate for children, emphasized that the messaging of the campaign could cause anxiety and fear in both adults and children. Parents’ belief in the imminent threat of war could also transfer that fear to their children, affecting their mental well-being.
The controversial nature of the campaign has led to political backlash, with Péter Magyar of the Tisza Party announcing plans to sue Prime Minister Viktor Orbán over the fearmongering tactics. The government’s response, as articulated by Fidesz communications director Tamás Menczer, dismissed concerns about the impact on children and emphasized the importance of addressing the threat of war.
Experts warned that using children as tools in political campaigns violates their rights and undermines their well-being. The protection of children from harmful messages during election season should be a top priority for all parties, according to Mrs. Katona Pehr Erika of the Civil Coalition for Children’s Rights.
As the debate over the war campaign continues, the focus remains on the potential long-term consequences of instilling fear and anxiety in children through political messaging. Experts stress the importance of promoting peaceful conflict resolution and cooperation among children, rather than instilling a sense of fear and division.
