Even when adults do their best to shield children from learning about distressing news or events, children can still be inadvertently exposed to these stories through television, radio, social media, or the conversations occurring around them. When this happens, children may:
- Be frightened of what they see or hear. This can lead to emotional or behavioural changes, for example displaying increased anxiety, fear, sadness, or irritability, or becoming more ‘clingy’, dependent or fearful of separation.
- Feel upset or unsettled by the distress that others are feeling.
- Worry that they or their families are in danger or might get hurt.
- Be overwhelmed or confused by constant media coverage which may lead them to think that the same event is happening repeatedly.
Tips for helping children who have been affected by distressing news and events
Adults can help create a sense of safety for young children impacted by distressing news and events by talking with them, being with them and maintaining predictable routines and environments.
Helpful strategies include:
- Find out what your child knows or understands first. Gently ask them about what they’ve seen or heard. Their understanding may be partial or mixed with imagination. Knowing what they already think helps to then address their worries without adding unnecessary detail. Correct any misunderstandings in clear, simple ways without going into detailed or complex explanations.
- Encourage your child to express their feelings. Invite them to ask questions, draw, talk, or play out what they’re feeling. Name their emotions, for example “It’s okay to feel sad/worried/scared confused”. This helps children feel heard and helps builds emotional resilience.
- Keep discussions developmentally appropriate. Focus on your child’s feelings and thoughts about what they have seen or heard and provide them with simple information and facts. For example, “I know you’re feeling scared about the big flood you saw on the TV, but you are safe. That big storm happened a long way away from here, and our house will never be flooded because it’s in a safe place”.
- Highlight hope and care. Explain that there are many people who are helping care for and protect the people who have been impacted by the event. For example, “I know you are very worried about the people who have been hurt or scared the bushfires, but there are lots of helpers like firefighters, doctors, rescue workers and neighbours who are looking after those people”.
- Encourage play and normal routines. Spend quality, unhurried time with your child playing, reading stories and doing everyday activities together, and maintain regular routines to provide a sense of normality and predictability.
By approaching conversations with children about distressing news and world events with honesty, warmth, and reassurance, adults can help children make sense of these while nurturing their sense of security, empathy, and wellbeing.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at childrensservices@theinfantshome.org.au.