“Get up, go run to that tree, and come back” was sometimes at least somewhat effective, particularly with younger children. Also, getting up and moving for a minute helps with learning anyway.

Seriously. Ants are one of the few animals that pass the mirror test. It’s not a huge leap to believe that a species that can recognize itself, is part of a large codependent social group, and is intent on remaining in that social group (as evidenced by the mirror test), would naturally be inclined toward empathy for its fellow ants.