Talking to Children About the News

Supporting Children with World Events in the News

News of world events, such as war and invasion, can dominate the TV, social media and conversations across the country. Children are likely to pick up on parts of these conversations and may be exposed to information that they struggle to make sense of, or that causes them fear or anxiety. It can be natural to want to protect children from some of the horrors of the world and shield them from information that may scare them. However it is also important to be able to talk to children to help them make sense of information they are likely already picking up on, to help alleviate any worries they have and to support them to feel safe. Remember: talking to children about something does not make it worse. If we shy away from conversations about difficult subjects, we are not protecting children, we are simply not preparing them. We also risk them feeling that they cannot open up to us or share any worries they have. Not talking about things can also risk them jumping to the wrong conclusion, worrying unnecessarily or feeling unsupported.

Be honest - this doesn't mean giving children all the details, but rather showing them, that you can be trusted.

Keep it simple - keep your language simple and age appropriate (more on this below).

Stay calm - children can pick up on your anxiety, so choose a time when you feel calm.

Reassure them they are safe - Children may catastrophise and personalise information in the news. Reassure them that you know they may be worried but that they are safe at home and you will take care of them.

Listen to them - let them express their concerns or feelings and show them you are here to listen.

Try and answer their questions - again keeping it age appropriate, try to answer any questions they have. If you are not sure about something, share this and tell them you will try to find out.

Help them express their feelings - provide a safe space for all their feelings, if they struggle to verbalise these you can look at some emotion words together or they could draw a picture.

Normalise their feelings - let them know it's okay to be scared (or whatever other emotions they may be feeling). Suggest activities to help reduce anxiety (see ideas below).

Some Script Ideas/Conversation Starters:

  • You might have seen things in the news or heard people talking about Russia and Ukraine. Russia has sent soldiers into parts of Ukraine and there is some fighting happening.

  • Bad things like this are on the news a lot right now because they are very rare, and do not happen often.

  • The fighting in Ukraine is very, very far away from here.

  • Other countries (like America and the UK) and unions (like the EU and NATO) are working hard to try and help resolve the fighting.

  • I know you might be feeling worried so I want you to know you are safe.

  • If you are feeling worried about things we can talk about them and I will try and answer any questions you have.

  • When I feel worried, these are some things that help (see below for suggestions).

  • Why don't we look at some ways we can help people in Ukraine, even though they are very far away? (See below for suggestions).

Children upset by the news can watch this video:

Newsround History of Ukraine Russia Tensions Video

Working with Children Affected by Displacement from War

Bear Us In Mind, although created to be used with children & young people directly affected by displacement through war, specifically the war on Ukraine, it can have other uses too.

The pack is designed to help adults support children and young people with experiences of traumas and losses.

The resource is free to download and access and can be used by parent's and carers, teaching or support staff in schools or clubs.

Looking After Our Own Well-being:

These are some ways to help manage our own anxiety during uncertain times and can also be shared with children and young people to help support them if they are worried or upset.

Taking Positive Action:

Taking positive action can help you feel a sense of control around a situation that is largely out of our control. Here are some ideas for taking action to support Ukraine. Some local companies and businesses are accepting donations of food and toiletries.

Some very young children or children with communication difficulties may benefit from a social story - here is one from Climbing the Rainbow

Other Useful Resources

Save the Children have summarised 5 ways to talk to your child about the current situation in Ukraine and they have a video to support.

Childline have this page on worries about the world for children. They also have a Calm Zone full of activities and tools to help children manage worries and anxiety.