The effects of children in the military
Children in militaries affect the lives of the children and the lives of those around them. Using children in militias affects the children and the society surrounding the instances of child military use in deep and distressing ways. Children who are able to get out of the militia require medical attention, counseling, and psychological help. Child soldiers affect entire societies. The “reserve armies” of children start cultures of war rather than peace. This is because of both dysfunctional socialization and lowered incentives to enter into peace negotiations since there is virtually no limit on the number of people available for military recruitment; regardless of age. The atmosphere of children working in the military has negative connotations for both themselves and the communities around them.