Should children be protected from grim news? Headlines about war and bad news are everywhere. But there are steps you can take to make them easier to cope with.
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Experts advise how to talk to young about war
Should children be protected from grim news? Headlines about war and bad news are everywhere. But there are steps you can take to make them easier to cope with.
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What's happening?
Every newspaper this morning around the world had the same story on its front page: the events happening in IsraelA country in the Middle East, and the only Jewish nation in the modern period. It is seen by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the Holy Land. and GazaThe smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt. . This has been the case every day since Sunday, the day after HamasA militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK. launched an attack on Israel, killing many.
Very few people can avoid seeing these headlines - and it is important to know about what is happening around the world. But how should you talk about news stories like this one to people who are younger than you?
This is a round-up of the latest adviceWhen someone suggests what you could do next. Advice is supposed to be helpful. :
1. Be open Do not pretend that an awful event has not happened.
2. Explain what happened It is easier to cope with a terrible event if you understand it properly.
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3. Ask how they feel The things that worry them may not be the same things that are worrying you.
4. Take them seriously Telling them that their worries are silly is not going to help.
5. Reassure them Remind them that they have lots of people protecting them from danger.
6. Be positive Talk about what can be done for those who have suffered, such as sending messages of support.
7. Contain anger It is natural to feel anger. But it is important to remember that those who carry out terrorist acts do not stand for a particular race or religion, even if they claim to. Other members of that group should be left in peace.
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Should children be protected from grim news?
Yes! For very young children, it is almost impossible to understand why wars or bad things happen. Grim news will only scare them.
No! Children will know about this crisis anyway. It is much better to explain the facts and make sure children know they can talk about their worries.
Keywords
Israel - A country in the Middle East, and the only Jewish nation in the modern period. It is seen by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the Holy Land.
Gaza - The smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt.
Hamas - A militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Advice - When someone suggests what you could do next. Advice is supposed to be helpful.
Experts advise how to talk to young about war
Grim reports: Hiding newspapers is not helpful — everybody needs information. Glossary
Israel - A country in the Middle East, and the only Jewish nation in the modern period. It is seen by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the Holy Land.
Gaza - The smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt.
Hamas - A militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Advice - When someone suggests what you could do next. Advice is supposed to be helpful.