Struggling with age appropriate news and talking about scary topics for kids? The daily news parents watch, scary events, or upsetting news can be difficult topics for kids and create anxiety and uncertainty. Here’s how to talk with children’s feelings in mind for scary things going on in the news and world or when kids are struggling with current events, world news questions, and children’s issues today.
What’s Age Appropriate News? When and How To Talk To Kids About
Scary news headlines and current events kids see on social media / scary social posts or the news can be confusing for children of all ages. Here’s how to help your kids after hearing bad news and how to deal with bad news heard at school or home.
Wondering how do you talk to your child about difficult situations and world news for kids?
16 Key Tips for Explaining Scary News To Kids:
- Be proactive in addressing the news.
- Remain calm, logical, and not overly emotional. Remember that even things that are thousands of miles away may seem overwhelming for kids.
- Talk about news kids may have seen and help them understand the news. Ask questions like: What have you heard/seen? and What do you think happened? Clarify what they said by repeating it back to them.
- Acknowledge the scary things that happen and admit if you are afraid, too.
- Focus beyond terrible news headlines and relate it to how it does or doesn’t affect your family currently. (Ask: How did the news affect you and your family personally?)
- Make a safe space for them to ask the tough questions (like: Why is life so scary?).
- Answer only the questions they ask and don’t bombard them with too much information or explanations.
- Use age-appropriate examples — older, more mature kids (teens/middle school students) can handle a different set of facts than younger kids like preschool-aged children or younger elementary students who can’t process the news.
- Admit if you don’t know the answer and then learn the answer together.
- Use play therapy, books, videos, stories, and more for telling them about the issue, if needed.
- Don’t try to fill quiet space. Give kids time to think about what you’ve discussed.
- Limit access to social media and the news outlets during scary times.
- Keep a normal routine. Many kids find comfort in the normal things they do daily.
- Get outside for fresh air and exercise for better mental clarity and an emotional boost.
- Remind kids that good things happen in the world, too. Ask them to help you come up with how the world is good and that there is also good news for kids.
- If your child is struggling beyond just being concerned, consider working with a professional.
Read on for more help on how to talk to kids about scary world events and tragedies and a list of ways to help explain current events to kids.
Is news too scary for kids?
Parents news or the morning news for kids might be a little overwhelming, depending on a child’s age. Dramatic and disturbing images and news will affect kids different, especially based on their age and emotional maturity. The news isn’t necessarily too scary for kids, but you should definitely monitor the information, allow age appropriate information, and only present it in small bites.
According to Penn State University this is how younger age levels digest news they see and how to handle it:
- Preschool age children (around 6 years old) will equate what they see on the news to any other television show and may not realize that it is real or treat it like pretend play or even on the same level as the “monster under the bed” if they feel scared. If preschoolers aren’t asking about current events, don’t bring it up.
- Elementary school age children probably have the biggest issues with news they see because they have a full understanding of what is real and what is not, but still lack the critical thinking and emotional skills to deal with it. Watch for unusual behavior (stomaches, not wanting to leave the house, etc.) and talk to them about the difference between what they have seen in news and how you are living your life. (This age group responds well to helping others.)
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that it’s also important to create an environment of “psychological first aid.”
“Exposure to media (viewing the news on a computer or mobile device or on television) or being interviewed by the media can traumatize children further. Efforts should be made to protect children from media violence and to promote resiliency whenever possible.”
Why should students watch the news?
It is important for students to watch the news and gain understanding of news topics to talk about — whether it be local news to know or state, national, or world. The news to talk about in class will help students gain a better understanding of people, geography, and current affairs.
How do I prepare at home for emergencies?
Grab the emergency preparedness parenting bundle — 6 guides, plus a free bonus on helping kids talk about feelings during emergencies or hard times.
Should kids know about current events?
What is happening with the world is an important part of life and helping to raise informed children. Kids should know about current events in ways that are appropriate for their age and emotional maturity.
READ THESE NEXT TO KEEP PREPARING YOUR FAMILY FOR EMERGENCIES:
Preparing An Emergency Go Bag for Kids
50 Best Emergency Preparedness Lesson Plans and Activities for Kids of All Ages
Talking To Kids About Scary Weather
How To Prepare for Winter Shortages NOW + FREE Winter Emergency Checklist
How do you talk to your kids about current events?
So, how do you explain scary news to kids so it doesn’t freak them out?
Here’s what to do if you’re wondering how do you talk to children about sensitive topics and help them cope with difficult topics…
Best Ways to Talk to Kids About Events in the News:
- Look for a kid-friendly newsletter that talks about current events and news and focuses on child friendly news today.
- Use an online current events platform (we really like this one) that specializes in delivering current events news to kids (really great for older school-age kids and teens).
- Use puppets like this or pretend play to act out news scenarios that are bothering children.
- Allow your kids to write letters to non-profits, organizations, or government officials about their concerns.
- Volunteer. Giving back is a way to do something instead of just worrying! (Check out our list of volunteer ideas for teens and also how to volunteer helping others from home/virtual online volunteer opportunities.)
- For older kids, search out books, podcasts, and documentaries on the topics (racism, war, etc.).
- Turn off the news on TV, put away the devices, and do something together as a family or class. Play board games, read, take a hike, have a dance party and more to get kids’ minds off of the news.
- Use storytelling and reading books about helping kids with difficult topics.
Scary issues are inevitable, but today’s bad news doesn’t mean that your kids live in fear constantly! Get to talking to your children about current events and things that are happening in the world!
Be sure to keep communication open with age appropriate news for kids!
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Very important topic on which very few people write or talk about it. You have written on this so beautifully.
Thank you. Hope it helps!