How to talk to children about war and conflict news

From wars and conflict around the world, to community incidents closer to home, our children may encounter news that could upset or worry them. As adults, we can find ways to reassure these concerns and hold productive and reflective conversations about what's happening in the world. This blog shares four tips to navigate sensitive news stories, such as news of war and conflict, with children at school and home.

//b667e803ea5399501dccf24f2b415eee.cdn.bubble.io/f1761306590573x850149894701427800/richtext_content.png In today's digital world, children can more easily access current affairs content online that may worry or upset them.

1. Timing

Discussing what’s happening in the news during the mornings can work well, so that children have the rest of the day to ask you further questions or continue conversations later in the day. Some children prefer to have more time to reflect on the news and how it makes them feel. Making plenty of time is an important step to comfort and reassure children, by listening to them, responding to their questions, and engaging in productive conversations.

2. Consider the details

The information you share with children will differ depending on their age and developmental stage. It may be appropriate to share more details with older children. Try explaining the news using relatable concepts or events with younger children. Remember – you don’t have to have all of the answers! Honesty is important when dealing with sensitive news. Figuring out what’s happening can be something you navigate together. Before sharing any visual content with children to help explain what’s happening, remember to vet all images and video content.

3. Allow for emotional expression

Provide children with opportunities to reflect on and express their emotions in response to the news story. Try visual aids, art, post-its, emotion cards and smiley faces, alongside talk-based approaches. Doing so can support children’s comprehension and processing of events, whilst addressing their responses and building self-awareness, as they discover and share how the news makes them feel.

4. Share the positives too

Found within sensitive news can be important life lessons, or examples of humanity and resilience in challenging times. For example, communities may stand together during challenging times, or people may volunteer in response to a community incident, showing positive attributes of empathy and teamwork. Try supporting children to consider how they can use their voice, raise awareness and make a difference to what’s happening in the world.

The YouTube video below further explores the ways we can handle sensitive news with children:

SGAnbiIIDk0 Feel free to share this blog with friends, family and colleagues who may find the advice useful!

To continue news conversations with children, explore a recent Picture News resource (for free!) here.