Discussing these topics with students can be challenging—for both you and them. However, by fostering a supportive atmosphere, sharing accurate information, and encouraging critical engagement with global issues, you play a crucial role in helping students develop resilience and emotional intelligence.

How Does Distressing News Affect Students?

Negative news can impact students in different ways. Some may be particularly sensitive, especially if they have personal connections to the affected regions or people.

Emotional responses such as fear, anxiety, or sadness are common. You might also observe behavioral changes, like students becoming withdrawn or more agitated and confrontational.

By recognizing the potential impact of distressing news, you can offer the empathy and support needed to help students manage their emotions.

How to Prepare for a Conversation About Distressing News

Before engaging in a conversation with your child, there are a few steps you can take to prepare:

Stay informed: Make sure you have accurate, age-appropriate information about the event from trustworthy sources.

Reflect on your emotions: Take time to acknowledge and process your own feelings regarding the situation.

Check your biases: Be aware of any personal biases you might hold, aiming to present information as objectively as possible.

Gather resources: Collect relevant support materials, such as news articles or media clips, to help students understand the events better.

Seek support: Whether this is from family and friends or even the school (such as our counsellors), it can be helpful to remember it takes a village to raise a child. You have a community that can help you and your family navigate these challenges.

For more practical steps, visit ReachOut.com – How to talk to students about distressing world events | Student wellbeing