Help Kids Navigate Distressing Events

Reassure Children They Are Safe

In response to distressing events, children may worry about their own safety or the safety of the people they care about. Media coverage and conversations they overhear can sometimes make these fears feel bigger or closer than they really are. 

It’s important to spend time reassuring children that they are safe. Be guided by what your children need, if they need facts and a deeper conversation let them lead this, for other children they might need to be physically close to you or reminded of the things that help them feel safe in their home environment. Don’t underestimate how powerful a safe space can be for children navigating difficult emotions and experiences, give them time. 

Tune In and Listen

Children will respond to distressing events in different ways. Some will ask questions straight away, while others may seem unaffected or express their feelings through behaviour rather than words.

It can help to let children know that it’s okay to feel scared, sad, confused or unsettled when they hear about, experience and witness difficult and frightening events.

Creating opportunities to listen, without rushing to explain or make things better, can help children feel supported. You don’t need to have all the answers.

You might like to use the Help Kids Navigate Distressing Events collection in the Smiling Mind App to reflect on emotions and feelings.

Share Information Mindfully

Children don’t need detailed information or exposure to ongoing coverage to understand what’s happening. In fact, repeated exposure to distressing images or commentary can increase worry and confusion.

If children ask questions:

• Keep responses simple and factual

• Avoid speculation or unnecessary detail

• Answer only what has been asked

Many children process information gradually or through play and routine  so creating a space for children to process their emotions without talking is also important. If this is the case, modelling emotion regulation or grounding activities might be useful.

Reduce News Exposure

As we’ve seen during other major and distressing events, including bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and national conversations, constant news coverage can be overwhelming, even for adults.

Consider:

• Turning off background news when children are present

• Being aware of conversations happening around them

• Taking breaks from social media and news feeds

Reducing exposure doesn’t mean avoiding the topic altogether, it means helping children feel contained and supported.

Reassure With Presence and Routine

Children often look for cues about safety from the adults around them. Maintaining familiar routines and everyday activities, at home and at school, can help restore a sense of stability.

Simple grounding routines can support children when emotions feel heightened. This might include slowing the breath together, moving the body through play or a walk, spending time with a trusted adult, and keeping regular sleep and bedtime routines.

You might like to use the Help Kids Navigate Distressing Events collection in the Smiling Mind App to support winding down and connection.

Support Respectful Conversations

Distressing events can sometimes lead to heightened emotions or strong opinions. When children raise questions or comments, adults can model calm, respectful responses and avoid language that blames or stereotypes individuals or groups.

This helps children learn how to engage thoughtfully with complex events while feeling emotionally safe.