What did children do during World War One?

Watch: How children helped at home

This video can not be played

Watch our video to find out more about how children helped with the war effort.

Image caption,
‘Growing your own’ food became very important
There wasn't a lot of food because German U-Boats (submarines) were sinking the ships bringing supplies. Children helped by digging, weeding and looking after vegetable patches.
Image caption,
Boys helped with the heavy work on farms
They also grew vegetables in gardens, back yards and even parks. In this picture, boy scouts are 'doing their bit' by setting rabbit traps.
Image caption,
Girls also worked hard on vegetable patches and farms
The girls in this picture are taking in cabbages grown at their school. Girls also gathered fruit to eat at harvest time.

Children collected useful things, like blankets, books and even conkers.
They even raised money to help horses hurt in battle.

Image caption,
Chemicals from conkers were used in making shells and bullets
Posters were put up in schools encouraging pupils to gather conkers. Around 3,000 tonnes were collected by Britain's children in 1917.
Image caption,
'Flag days' were held to make money for wartime projects
Children would sell little flags or badges that people could pin to their coats.
Image caption,
Posters encouraged people to collect hens' eggs
Boys and girls helped to collect the eggs, which were used to feed wounded soldiers. Many homes kept chickens if they had space outside.