How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War

(2018, March) | Useful to Parent Centers and other organizations and individuals interacting with young people (ages 2 through teens).

This article from Common Sense Media addresses the importance of talking with children and youth about the violence that is constantly occurring in the United States and around the world. Today, without a doubt, issues involving violence, crime, and war (whether they’re in popular shows, video games, books, or news coverage) reach even the youngest kids and can affect their immediate and overall well-being. Families and other caregivers need to have plan for discussing even the worst of the worst in a way that’s age-appropriate and doesn’t cause more harm.

The article provides tips and conversation starters to help us all talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics. The discussion is presented in sections by children’s age groupings: Age 2-6, ages 7-12, and teens. Each section also includes numerous links to additional information about specific aspects of addressing and coping with seeing, hearing about, or experiencing frightening events (e.g., exposure through games or movies, the power of social media, behaviors that young people may display in reaction).

Find this helpful article online at:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-violence-crime-and-war