Talking to Children About Distressing World Events: Supporting children through difficult conversations

Whether it is through television, online platforms, or overheard adult talk, children often become aware of frightening or upsetting world events. As parents and carers, we may ask ourselves: Should I bring it up? Should I shield them? How do I talk about this without making it worse? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every child is different, and much depends on their age and temperament. However, here are some principles that can help guide these conversations:

1. Be the Safe Place
It is okay not to have all the answers. Your calm, steady presence is more important than perfect words. When children come to you with concerns - or if you decide to inform them about something – it is helpful to approach the conversation with honesty, clarity, and reassurance. Start by asking what they have heard. This gives you a chance to correct any misinformation and understand what is on their mind. Avoid overwhelming them with too many details.

2. Validate Their Feelings
Whether your child says they are scared, angry, confused, or “fine,” all feelings are valid. Let them know it is okay to feel upset. You might say, “It makes sense that you are feeling this way. Lots of people are feeling like that right now.”

3. Reassure Without False Promises
Children need to know they are safe. Reassure them about the security of their immediate environment and the people who are working to help - emergency responders, peacekeepers and community leaders. Let them know that while bad things can happen, they are surrounded by people who care and will keep them safe. Be careful not to offer promises you can’t keep, like “This will never happen here.” Instead, focus on the systems and routines in place that protect them and your family.

4. Empower with Kindness and Action
When appropriate, you might explore simple ways your child can feel helpful or connected—lighting a candle, saying a prayer, donating items, or learning more about a country or culture. Taking positive action can help children feel less helpless in the face of distressing news. For older children and teens, this might extend to respectful conversations about injustice, compassion, or how change can happen. Remind them that small acts of kindness and fairness in their own lives matter deeply.

5. Limit Exposure and Make Space for Joy
For younger children, especially, try to limit ongoing exposure of distressing events. Having the news constantly playing in the background - on TV, radio, or social media - can amplify fear. Even for teens, constant scrolling can increase anxiety. It is okay to take breaks from the news. Make space for the things that bring comfort and joy: reading, outdoor time, creative activities and spending time together. These aren’t distractions—they are part of helping children feel grounded and safe.

6. Use Age-Appropriate Sources to Support Understanding
Sometimes it is hard to find the right words. Using trusted, child-friendly resources can help explain complex or distressing topics in a way that is developmentally appropriate. Watching or reading something together gives you a shared starting point for conversation and helps your child process information at their level. For example, ABC Behind the News (BTN) offers clear, factual explanations of current events aimed at upper primary and secondary students. You can pause and talk through it together, encouraging questions and offering reassurance along the way.

If you ever feel unsure or if your child seems significantly affected, please reach out to the school wellbeing team. You are not alone in this.