The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlined specific guidelines for discussing COVID-19 with children late last year.

It is common for children to worry at this time. They will worry about themselves, their family and friends and others getting ill. It is important to ensure that what they hear is honest, accurate, age-appropriate, and transparent, and that what they feel is validated and discussed with a trusted adult. This will help to minimise their fear and worry.

The CDC guidelines have been created to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19, and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.

These guidelines can be found here. The general principals include:

Remain calm and reassuring

- Children will react to what you say, how you say it, and also how you behave about COVID-19. They will listen to conversations you have with them, and others.

Make yourself available to listen and talk openly, answering questions honestly

Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online

- The amount of exposure to the information about COVID-19 can impact a child’s worry.

Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs

- Social distancing, hygiene (washing hands, sneezing/coughing into elbow)

Educate yourself with facts about what may happen if someone is sick from COVID-19 from reputable information (World Health Organisation, Australian Health, NSW Health), and provide age appropriate information when asked