Dear Parents/Guardians,
Your child may be understandably curious and distressed about the recent news cycle, particularly following the incident at Bondi Junction and the more recent Wakeley Church attack. These events may affect each of us in different ways, please see information below to support you to have conversations with your child about distressing news items.
Speaking to young people about tragic news events:
Young people are exposed to the events of the world through the news and social media. In order to help young people process and understand these events, you can prepare for conversations in the following ways:
- Prepare for the conversation beforehand
- Make the time to have conversations
- Use curiosity to begin the conversation to find out how your child is feeling
- Listen actively and without judgement
- Answer honestly, providing age appropriate and factual information
- Reassure them they are safe
- Have dedicated for ‘no news’ and ‘no social media’ time to switch off from the events if needed
- During this time it might be helpful to engage in other activities together as a family
- Seek help from external services if needed:
- Online & phone support | headspace 1800 650 890
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- Parent Line Victoria 13 22 89
- Contact House Leader’s if you’re worried this is impacting your child’s mental health and would like to arrange further support.
Other Resources:
- Kids Health: How to talk to your child about the news
- Raising Children: Supporting Teens with Distressing News Events
- Embark Behavioural Health: How to discuss difficult news