15/12/2025
Talking to children about tragedy
1. Manage exposure
Try to manage the sources, content and amount of time that the tragedy is taking up.
If you are constantly scrolling and talking about it when they are around, that counts as exposure.
Remember that they will see and hear opinions, (mis)information and conspiracies from many different sources.
2. Answer their questions
Allow them to ask the questions that they have. If you need to make sure that you both have the time and space, book an appointment with them. This also gives them time to think about what they would like to ask.
You never know what they are thinking and what connections they may have made.
3. Acknowledge & allow emotions
Make sure that they know that any and all emotions are equally valid. This includes feeling numb, confused or disinterested.
Allow emotions to be expressed. This may include having a cry, being able to yell and scream, making a picture that represents how they are feeling, doing something physical to release emotion from the body.
4. Stick to the facts
Use trusted, factual sources of information. This can include Press/Media Releases from:
• NSW Policing,
• Australian Federal Police,
• Australian Parliament House, and Parliament of NSW.
Avoid judgemental and subjective sources. Try to limit emotional input to the conversation.
Using factual information supports your child in forming their own opinions, which can be further discussed.
5. Age and capacity appropriate
Make sure that the:
• information;
• language used;
• amount of time spent discussing; and
• the way you have the conversation/s;
is/are appropriate for the individual.
Finish your conversation/s with love, firm hugs (if appropriate), and assurance of safety (physical and emotional).
Other sources for conversation (if needed):
• teacher
• trusted adult
• therapist
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
• Beyond Blue
