There are a lot of scary, upsetting things happening in the world right now, and kids have a right to understand what’s going on. But finding the right words—and knowing when to speak and when to shield—can feel overwhelming for any parent or carer.
In partnership with Twinkl, who work to make learning accessible to all, we've developed this guide containing some great tips on how to talk to children about the state of the world to give you the confidence and support to chat things through with the little people in your life.
When there are upsetting events in the news or in the local community, children may see, hear or read things that cause them anxiety or distress. This may be from other children, on the news, from social media or from overhearing adults speak. In this digital age, we can’t always protect children from hearing distressing news but we can support them to understand and process the feelings they may experience in order to protect their mental health and wellbeing.
Here is some guidance for supporting children to understand and address questions or worries they may have.
Why This Matters: Children's Mental Health in the UK
Understanding the current landscape helps us recognise why these conversations are so important.
According to NHS Digital's 2023 Mental Health of Children and Young People survey, one in five (20%) children aged 8 to 16 had a probable mental disorder in 2023—a significant increase from 12% in 2017. The Mental Health Foundation reports that around 20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year.
Research shows that exposure to distressing news can increase anxiety in children, particularly when they lack the context or emotional tools to process what they're seeing. The Child Mind Institute emphasises that repeated exposure to disturbing events through media can make traumatic situations feel ongoing and inescapable to young minds.
That's why having open, age-appropriate conversations matters. When we help children understand and process difficult information, we protect their mental health and build their resilience.
What Child Psychologists Say
Experts agree that avoiding difficult topics doesn't protect children—it leaves them to make sense of fragments they've overheard or misunderstood.
The British Psychological Society advises that we shouldn't avoid talking to children about distressing events, but we should moderate their exposure to social media and news coverage. Research from the University of Utah Health suggests inviting conversation in an open-ended way, recognising children's feelings, and asking questions that let them tell their story in their own words.
Child psychologists emphasise that it's completely normal for children to feel anxious about world events—and it's our role to create safe spaces where those feelings can be expressed and understood.
How to Support Children Through Difficult Conversations
Create Space for Exposure Control
Although there may be times when we cannot help children overhearing information that may be worrying or upsetting, if at all possible, try to avoid exposure to information that is not age appropriate. If children express any concerns about things they have heard or are aware of, make it clear you are here to support them and they are welcome to talk to you about anything they are worried about.
Practical step: Set boundaries around news consumption at home. Avoid having 24-hour news channels on in the background, particularly when younger children are present.
Listen with Full Attention
When children express worries, show them you're truly present. If you can't give them the time they need immediately, acknowledge their concern and agree on a specific time to talk—then honour that commitment.
During conversations, practice active listening. This means:
Making eye contact
Putting devices away
Not interrupting or rushing to fix their feelings
Acknowledging their emotions without judgement
Processing distressing news takes time, especially in unfolding situations. Making yourself available shows them that their concerns are important to you. Acknowledge their emotions and let them know that however they are feeling is OK.
Have Honest, Age-Appropriate Discussions
For significant events, it can help to initiate a conversation proactively so children can share their concerns and ask questions. Encourage them to keep asking questions whenever they have them, no matter what those questions are.
Answer truthfully, but tailor the level of detail to your child's age and developmental stage. You don't need to have all the answers—it's perfectly acceptable to say "I don't know" or "I'm still learning about this too."
Important consideration: In group settings like classrooms, consider any children who may be directly affected by the situation, or those whose family circumstances might influence their response. Children who've experienced past trauma may be particularly sensitive to similar events.
Teach Media Literacy and Identify Reliable Sources
Help children understand that not all information sources are trustworthy. Explain the difference between verified news from reputable organisations and misinformation from social media or sensationalist websites.
Show them how to check if a source is reliable by looking for:
Established news organisations with editorial standards
Multiple sources reporting the same facts
Publication dates (is the information current?)
Author credentials and expertise
Model this process when you're looking for answers together. Age-appropriate trusted sources include BBC Newsround, CBBC, and The Week Junior.
Check Your Own Emotional State
Children are incredibly perceptive. They pick up on our anxiety, even when we think we're hiding it well.
Before difficult conversations, take a moment to check in with yourself. It's normal and appropriate to acknowledge that you're concerned about world events too, but frame this in a way that still provides reassurance. You might say: "Yes, this situation makes me feel worried sometimes, but I also know that you are safe here with me."
If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out for support. The Mental Health Foundation and Mind offer resources for adults managing their own anxiety around current events.
Build Self-Care Skills Together
Putting big feelings such as worry, fear and sadness into words can be hard, especially for younger children. Giving children the skills and opportunity to express, manage and cope with uncomfortable feelings can be very empowering.
Expression through creativity: Provide opportunities for children to express how they're feeling through music, art, writing, or play. Invite them to talk through their work, but don't feel you must respond with solutions. Sometimes children just need to be heard.
Teach practical coping strategies: Help children develop techniques they can use when they're feeling overwhelmed:
Taking slow, deep breaths
Switching off devices for set periods
Reading favourite books
Listening to calming or uplifting music
Playing with friends
Engaging in physical activity they enjoy
Co-create a self-care plan: Ask children what helps them feel better when they're worried. If they're unsure, offer options and let them choose. Developing their own plan helps children feel more in control of their emotions—and autonomy is powerful when so much feels outside their control.
Channel Feelings into Positive Action
Helplessness can be one of the hardest emotions for children (and adults) to bear during global crises. Taking action—even small steps—can restore a sense of agency.
Suggest ways children can make a difference:
Fundraising for charities supporting affected communities
Writing letters to MPs about issues they care about
Creating awareness campaigns at school
Participating in age-appropriate volunteering
Remind them that while terrible events happen, they're rare. Help them identify positive news stories, acts of human kindness, and things they love about their community and the world around them. Balance is essential.
Recognise that not one type of response will fit all children. Observe carefully and listen as much as possible. Children often just want to feel heard and know you are there. Reassure them as much as you feel able and let them know you are in this together, that their reaction is normal and that they’re not alone in their thoughts and feelings, whatever they may be. Knowing that others may feel the same can be a huge comfort.
Age-by-Age Conversation Guide
Ages 3-5: Keep explanations very simple and focus on reassurance. Young children don't need detailed information about events. If they ask questions, answer briefly and redirect to comforting routines: "Some people far away are having a difficult time. We are safe here, and lots of kind people are helping."
Ages 6-11: Provide more context, but still limit details of violence or suffering. Use this as an opportunity to discuss values like empathy, fairness, and helping others. Encourage questions and check for understanding by asking them to explain what they've heard in their own words.
Ages 12+: Teenagers can handle more nuanced conversations and may already be seeing detailed coverage on social media. Discuss not just what's happening, but why—exploring historical context, different perspectives, and systemic issues. Validate their strong emotions and discuss constructive ways to channel them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tell my child about distressing news, or wait for them to ask?
It depends on the event and your child's age. For major events they're likely to hear about at school or online, initiating the conversation gives you control over framing and allows you to correct misinformation. For younger children who may not be exposed otherwise, there's no need to introduce distressing topics prematurely.How much news exposure is too much?
Limit repeated viewing of the same distressing footage, which can intensify trauma responses. Check in regularly about what your child is seeing online. Most experts recommend avoiding 24-hour news channels around young children and having clear boundaries about when news consumption happens in your home.What if my child seems unbothered by events that upset me?
Children respond differently. Some may not fully grasp the significance, others process privately, and some may be using distraction as a coping mechanism. Don't force conversations, but keep the door open by occasionally checking in: "If you have questions about [event], I'm always happy to talk."How do I explain things I don't understand myself?
It's okay to say "I don't know" or "I'm trying to understand this too." Model the process of seeking information from reliable sources. What matters most isn't having perfect answers—it's creating space for questions and showing children how to navigate uncertainty.When should I seek professional support for my child?
If your child shows persistent signs of distress that interfere with daily life—trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, withdrawal from activities they usually enjoy, increased anxiety, or regression in behaviour—speak to your GP. They can refer you to appropriate children's mental health services.
Remember: Every Child Is Different
There's no single "right" response to distressing news. Some children want to talk immediately, others need time to process. Some express worry through questions, others through behaviour changes or creativity.
Observe carefully and listen more than you speak. Often, children just want to feel heard and know you're there. Reassure them as much as you can, and remind them they're not alone—others feel the same uncertainty and worry.
You're in this together, and your presence matters more than having perfect words.
What to Do Next
Download these helpful resources from Twinkl:
Read more from Save the Children:
Access professional support:
YoungMinds Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
Childline: 0800 1111 (free, confidential support for children)What to do next
Updated October 2025
This guidance was developed in partnership with Twinkl and reflects current evidence-based approaches from child psychology and mental health research. It is regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
