Safeguarding Update: Discussing Distressing News Events With Children

Last Updated on 10th September 2024

Read Time: 4 Minutes

2nd August 2024

On 29th July 2024, a 17-year-old boy attacked children attending a Taylor Swift themed dance class, resulting in the deaths of three young girls and injuries to ten others. This incident has garnered significant media attention, leading to protests and riots, causing further violence and distress.

Such events can be particularly upsetting for children and young people. Misinformation and the amplification of sensationalist voices on social media can heighten their anxiety and fear. The fact that the victims were children at a dance class linked to a popular celebrity may make it feel more personal and threatening.

It is crucial to address these events appropriately and sensitively with children, as they may be scared and have questions after encountering the story online or hearing about it from peers.

Reassure the children and young people in your care that such events are rare and emphasise positive community responses in the face of tragedy:

Emergency services were on hand at the scene to quickly attend to victims and witnesses.
Volunteers joined together to clean up a mosque that had been damaged by rioters.
Fans of Taylor Swift organised a fundraiser to cover funeral costs and support the victims’ families.
A local salon owner is raising funds to help a shop owner who lost over £10,000 in stock during the riots.

Learning Resource

What to Do When the News is Overwhelming

Check out our new learning resource, designed as a guide for children and young people to reach for when the news is overwhelming. This one-page handout offers practical advice for managing emotions, verifying sources, and staying safe online.

Download Resource

Top Tips for Addressing Distressing News Events With the Children and Young People in Your Care:

Talk it Out

If children are exposed to distressing news, take the time to sit with them and discuss what they’ve seen. Explain the situation in simple, reassuring terms, answer their questions honestly, and provide context to help them understand that such events are rare.

Be Supportive

Reassure children of their safety, validate any feelings of worry or upset that they may have, and remind them you are available to talk any time they see something that scares them online.

Consider Individual Differences

Each child’s ability to process information varies by age, character and resilience. Tailor the level of information shared based on your knowledge of the child’s capacity to understand.

Have Balanced Discussions

Events like these might make children see the world as a scary place. Show them that some positive reactions can come from such a terrible situation and emphasise that most people are good. Use our list of positive community responses to illustrate this.

Be Mindful of Media Exposure

Be aware of the programs and news channels that are on when children are present. News reports and live coverage of tragic events often include graphic images, distressing footage, and repeated discussions of violent incidents that can be overwhelming and frightening for children.

Limit Screen Time

News shared on social media can expose children to distressing images and misinformation. If they seem glued to their screens, suggest regular breaks. Encourage activities that don’t involve screens, such as outdoor play, reading, or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.

Teach Digital Literacy

Educate the children or young people in your care on how to identify reliable news sources and understand the difference between credible information and misinformation.

Curate Their Feeds

Teach the child or young person in your care how to set up their social media feeds to minimise exposure to distressing content. This can involve unfollowing accounts that often post sensationalist or upsetting news and following more positive or educational accounts. Refer to our Safety Centre to help them block or report harmful content.

Offer Alternatives

Suggest child-friendly news sources, such as BBC Newsround, which are specifically designed to present news in a way that is appropriate and less distressing for younger audiences. These sources provide factual information without sensationalising the events.

Model Healthy Behaviour

Demonstrate healthy screen habits yourself. Children often mimic the behaviour of adults around them. Show them that it’s possible to stay informed without being constantly plugged in and that it’s okay to disconnect from digital devices.