How to explain terrorism to your children

Many parents will be trying to reassure their children following the Manchester Arena attack which killed 22 people and injured at least 59 others, at an Ariana Grande concert and only days later another attack on the London Bridge leaving seven people dead and 48 injured.

With thousands of young people in attendance at the Ariana Grande concert, there may be some parents who are worried about how to talk to their children about what they are seeing on the news or social media and how they are feeling. Even children in South Africa can be troubled by what has happened and may need support to deal with the reality of the world we live in and the chance of something similar happening to them, even though the attacks are not happening here.

‘Our advice for any child or teenager upset and anxious in light of this news is for them to talk to a trusted adult, be it a parent, teacher or Childline,’ a spokesperson for child protection charity NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) in the United Kingdom, suggested.

Here are the guidelines this UK charity has shared on how to offer support and advice to children in the wake of a terror attack.

1. Listen carefully to a child’s fears and worries.

Make sure they know their feelings and thoughts are being heard and don’t dismiss them. If you don’t acknowledge their fears, they might not open up to you.

2. Offer reassurance and comfort.

Explain that it’s perfectly normal to feel sad or worried following tragic news and that they’re not alone in feeling this way. Reassure them that they are surrounded by a safe and secure environment and that there are people to turn to for comfort and support.

3. Avoid complicated and worrying explanations that could leave them more frightened and confused.

Families shouldn’t shy away from talking about tragic events, but avoid focusing on unnecessary details that could leave children feeling traumatised by what has happened. Remind children that these kind of events are rare and give them lots of reassurance about their everyday lives.

4. Help them find advice and support to understand distressing events and feelings.

As well as speaking to parents, children can look to teachers and schools for reliable sources for information.

Children and young people can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice on how to get through a tough time. The service is open 24 hours a day on 08 000 55 555 or at http://ift.tt/2s33UPj.

From: Good Houskeeping UK