When children are worried …

How to talk to kids about scary situations

Violence and disasters occur around the world, often reaching us through the news. Yet emergencies can also unfold close to home, where their impact feels more immediate. 

In such moments, young children are especially vulnerable, as they may struggle to process the distress of a traumatic experience. Feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are not unusual but can be overcome.

Part of our care for children is to acknowledge these feelings through gentle and reflective conversations. 

Working with child experts and psychologists, we have developed a series of tips for parents, teachers, and anyone else who may interact with children. 

A toolkit to support children overcome fear

This toolkit can help you build a sense of safety and a feeling of calm, and re-establish trust in others, as well as renewed hope for the future among children.

With the right support, from adults and peers, children who have been exposed to difficult situations will have the tools to recover from crisis and to manage stress. 

Save the Children stands firmly for the safety and dignity of every child and every community, and the protection of lives against all forms of violence.