Major incidents

When a major incident such as a terrorist attack or a disaster such as the fire in Grenfell Tower happens, many children and young people are profoundly affected. The same is true for longer term situations such as the Covid-19 outbreak. You can read more about ways to support children through the current outbreak here.

Following a major incident, some children and young people have been bereaved of their siblings, parents or other loved ones, and others will have witnessed frightening events. 

For some children, news coverage will trigger painful memories of bereavement in other circumstances. And many children will have been unsettled and frightened by the news. Please read on for further advice on how to speak to children about major incidents.

Talking to children about the news

• Winston's Wish has published guidance on talking to children about tragic events

• Annalisa Barbieri has written a piece in the Guardian about talking to children about distressing events in the news

• BBC Newsround has advice for young people if they are upset by the news.