It seems we canโt turn on the TV or jump online without being inundated with fresh news of the horrors inflicted by ISIS, or similar terrorism groups or individuals.
And as much as we would like to shelter them from the seemingly unceasing plight to incite fear in the community, our kids are going to be exposed to news of terrorism whether we like it or not.
So how do we explain whatโs happening to curious but innocent minds?
Director of the Australian Child & Adolescent, Loss & Grief Network Amanda Harris says itโs important to be honest with children when discussing distressing news events, but to not unnecessarily go into too many specific details or let them become overexposed to ongoing news coverage.
โOften children overestimate threat,โ Harris explains. โSo seeing something repeatedly on the news may make it seem like itโs happening more frequently, or is more prominent that it actually may be.
โKids often feel anxious or sad when they hear about terror events, and they donโt always have a good perception that these things are happening in another state or country, and will think that the threat is closer to them.
โReassure them that itโs okay to feel worried or scared, while also reminding them that theyโre very safe. You can also focus on some of the positive stories of courage and hope that can come from these events, too.โ
When discussing terror events with older children or teenagers who most likely gather their information from social media and friendship groups, Harris says you should ask them what theyโve already heard or know.
โAfterwards it might be a good idea to sit down with them and watch a news clip together so that you can clear up any misconceptions they may have, and talk about fact rather than fiction or rumour.
โWhat weโve seen happen recently may be connected to a particular group, but itโs important to point out that to them that extremism isnโt limited to a particular race or religion; there are individuals all across society who do dangerous and extreme things, so itโs certainly not helpful to make sweeping generalisations.โ
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
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