When traumatizing events happen in our communities, across the country and around the world, we often struggle with how to respond. Videos of these incidents are typically shared across social media platforms and become a constant feature in broadcast news cycles. As images of conflict, violence or divisiveness fill television screens and flood the internet, young people need the support of parents, caregivers and educators to grapple with their emotions and to understand the events.
While adults should prepare to engage young people in conversations about what’s happening around them, we must always consider the well-being of all children, and especially those who may witness or are personally affected by these events. Young people want to talk about what they see happening in the world and how they feel about it, and they need guidance to have those crucial conversations in safe ways that encourage empathy and understanding.
The entire community is responsible for protecting and supporting children, especially in times of crisis. For families, educators and community members who must respond to the needs of children as a traumatizing event unfolds, we’ve gathered recommendations and resources to help guide conversations with young people and to manage potential actions and reactions.
Providing safe spaces for young people to learn about and discuss current events is essential—and so is helping them to process their emotions. To help you respond to crisis events, we’ve gathered the following recommendations and resources. Some LFJ recommendations contain information from the National Association of School Psychologists, the Child Mind Institute, the American School Counselor Association and UNICEF.
[Page updated Nov. 2024]
Helping Young People During Crisis Situations
1. Provide a sense of safety.
Pay attention to how children respond to news about what is happening in the world around them. Young people need to know they are safe, so be intentional about fostering feelings of safety. Reassure children as often as needed that you and others are there to help keep them safe. Review safety procedures at home and at school and identify adults who children can go to if they feel threatened or unsafe.
Help children surround themselves with favorite things that are comforting. And support young people to engage in familiar activities that are calming like listening to music, reading, or creative crafts and games that can reduce anxiety.
2. Listen and model empathy.
When a traumatizing event happens, it’s of immediate importance to young people to share their feelings or thoughts, so it will occupy their minds whether you discuss it or not. Make yourself available to listen, and create a safe space for young people to express their thoughts and fears. Hold space for conversations and do not dismiss their questions, concerns or comments. It is important to listen to understand and not to lecture.
Show kindness and empathy for feelings that might come up. Recognize that children may not only fear for themselves, so consider how crisis events might make them worry about losing parents, family members, teachers and others they depend on in their lives. For young children, give comfort and reassurance with gentle words, and don’t dismiss their fears.
How we experience and respond to crisis events varies, so be sensitive to people around you, especially young people. Children pick up on your emotions, and your reactions to events can affect them. In helping young people, be conscious of your own emotions.
Be aware of young people who are managing trauma or who have experienced violence. Monitor reactions and recognize that trauma can manifest in various behaviors, including anger and disengagement. Commit to destigmatizing mental health issues. For example, separate conversations about violence from issues of mental health.
3. Limit media exposure and share developmentally appropriate information.
It’s vital to monitor screen time. Discourage nonstop, uninterrupted exposure to footage of an unfolding crisis. Limiting the consumption of traumatizing media content during a crisis is important to maintaining children’s sense of well-being. Carefully select what to watch together with children so they can discuss and share their feelings about what is happening.
Share information and be sure to keep explanations and discussions developmentally appropriate. For example, young children need brief, simple information balanced with reassurance that they are safe. Give young people information about the specific event in ways and language that are appropriate for their age and emotional development.
As misinformation typically spreads rapidly following a crisis, adults should help young people vet information and have a critical eye for breaking news. For example, if a shooting has occurred, there may be profiles of the shooter meant to cater to stereotypes. Look for trustworthy sources and remain skeptical. Steer young people toward facts and big ideas; avoid speculation.
4. Help young people express their feelings.
Young people cope in different ways; help them understand that their emotions are normal. Encourage children to draw and journal to share their thoughts, or allow them privacy if they choose not to express their feelings at the moment. Support young children with comfort and give them opportunities to play and share their feelings in multiple ways.
Whether at home or in the classroom, engage in stress-reducing activities, such as creating art or utilizing a Peace Corner, where children can have a safe space to process their feelings privately.
5. Brainstorm positive actions.
Help young people translate feelings of hopelessness or apathy into opportunities to respond with productive action. Join them in brainstorming ways they can support survivors and families experiencing trauma. Activities might include fundraising, volunteering, donating clothes and personal items, attending vigils or protests, signing petitions and writing supportive letters to people affected by tragedy.
6. Maintain or establish routines.
Routines offer structure and can reassure children, especially in crisis situations. As much as possible, maintain routines at home, such as mealtimes, family activities and bedtimes. If your home has been affected (e.g. you have been relocated), establish new routines and maintain expectations.
7. Embrace self-care and seek community-care.
We must always care for ourselves and our children’s emotional and mental health needs. Check in with your own feelings and give yourself grace for whatever comes up. Remember that individual responses and the impact of violence may not be immediately clear, so be observant and maintain open communication, especially with young people. Sometimes anger can manifest in behaviors later, and sadness can become feelings of despair. If you or the children in your life are having a hard time coping with these events (for example, there are signs of sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, or behavioral concerns), please reach out for professional counseling support.
Community care is just as critical as self-care. Lean into your community to receive support and to offer support. Community care may look like donating to mutual aid funds, helping clean up after a disaster, providing food to a neighbor or offering a free service such as transportation.
Responding to events and tragedies with care and compassion is key to advocating for strengthened communities, making it possible to create a safe and inclusive democracy.
Resources
The following resources provide context and offer strategies that aid in creating safe, inclusive environments.
- LFJ learning resources Understanding Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Education and Transforming School Culture to Address Antisemitism and Islamophobia
- LFJ resource page Discussing Race, Racism and Police Violence
- LFJ resource page Discussing War and Conflict: Resources for Educators, Parents and Caregivers
- LFJ resource guide Responding to Hate and Bias at School
- LFJ article Conversations About Gun Violence, Disinformation and Extremism
- LFJ article Don’t Stop Talking about Gun Violence
- LFJ article Responding to Children’s Bereavement During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Preventing Youth Radicalization: Building Resilient, Inclusive Communities
- National Association of Child Psychologists’ “Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers” and “Culturally Competent Crisis Response”
- American School Counselor Association’s “Helping Students After a School Shooting”
- The Child Mind Institute’s “Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event”
- The Child Mind Institute’s “Going Back to School After a Tragedy”
- ACLU’s “Students’ Rights: Speech, Walkouts, and Other Protests”