News about war or conflict can cause fear, sadness and anxiety — even for families living far from the affected areas. Children often turn to parents for reassurance in uncertain times. Experts say calm conversations and clear information can help children feel safer and better understand what is happening.
Children always look to their parents for a sense of safety and security – even more so in times of crisis
Find out what your child knows
Start by asking what your child has heard and how they feel. Choose a calm moment — for example during a meal — and avoid raising difficult topics just before bedtime.
Some children may know little about current events, while others may be quietly worried. Younger children may express concerns through drawing or storytelling. Since children often encounter news online, on television or at school, parents can use the conversation to correct misunderstandings and provide reassurance.
Continuous exposure to alarming headlines and images can make children feel that danger is close, even when conflicts are far away. Younger children may struggle to distinguish between what they see on screen and their own reality, while older children may be influenced by social media.
Experts recommend acknowledging children’s feelings and reassuring them that their reactions are normal. Listening carefully and giving them full attention helps build trust and encourages future conversations.
Keep explanations calm and age-appropriate
Children have a right to understand what is happening in the world, but information should be adapted to their age and emotional readiness.
Parents should try to remain calm during conversations, as children often take emotional cues from adults. Using simple language and watching a child’s reactions can help keep discussions supportive rather than overwhelming.
It is helpful to reassure children that they are safe and to remind them that many people are working to resolve conflicts and help those affected.
Parents do not need to have all the answers. Looking up reliable information together — for example from trusted news organisations or international institutions — can help children learn how to identify credible sources.
Encourage compassion
Conflicts can sometimes lead to prejudice or negative stereotypes. Experts advise avoiding labels such as “bad people” and instead focusing on the human impact of war, such as families forced to leave their homes.
Parents should also be attentive to bullying or discrimination at school and remind children that everyone deserves to feel safe. Encouraging kindness and understanding can help counter negative attitudes.
Focus on positive actions
Stories about people helping others can provide reassurance and hope. Examples include emergency workers assisting civilians or young people promoting peace.
Taking small positive actions can also help children feel less helpless. This might include drawing a poster for peace, writing a poem or participating in a local fundraiser.
End conversations with reassurance
After discussing difficult topics, parents should make sure children are not left feeling distressed. Observing body language, breathing and tone of voice can help parents understand how a child is coping.
Remind children that they are supported and can talk whenever they feel worried.
Keep checking in
As news develops, it is useful to ask children regularly how they feel and whether they have new questions.
Signs of stress may include headaches, stomachaches, nightmares or sleep problems. Younger children may become clingy, while teenagers may show sadness or anger. These reactions are often temporary, but persistent distress may require professional support.
Simple relaxation techniques, such as slow breathing — inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth for five seconds each — can help reduce anxiety.
Limit exposure to upsetting news
Constant exposure to news about conflict can increase anxiety. Parents may consider limiting news consumption around younger children. With older children, discussions about trusted sources and time spent following the news can be helpful.
Positive activities such as playing games or going for a walk can provide a healthy distraction.
Parents should also take care of themselves
Parents’ own stress levels affect how children cope. Staying calm and managing personal anxiety helps children feel secure.
Taking breaks from the news, speaking with friends or family and making time for relaxing activities can help parents maintain balance during stressful periods.
