Childline: Children upset by conflict need reassurance their feelings are valid and support is at hand

Recent news in the Middle East about the conflict with Iran can be upsetting for children.

Whether they’re using social media, passing newspapers or televisions, or just overhearing conversations about current affairs, it’s possible they will encounter distressing content or potentially false information.

Children can come across upsetting current affairs on a variety of platforms, from news channels to social media. Photo posed by models

placeholder image — Children can come across upsetting current affairs on a variety of platforms, from news channels to social media. Photo posed by models

Our Childline counsellors have already been hearing from young people concerned about what they’ve seen and heard.

A 14-year-old boy told counsellors: “I am really scared about possible war breaking out here in Britain. Is there anything I can do to stop thinking about these problems or stop me worrying about it?”

Childline and the moderated message boards on the Childline website give children the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with counsellors or other young people and are available around the clock.

We have also prepared some tips to help guide conversations with children on this topic and how to protect them when going online.

Obviously, how you approach a conversation with young people about what’s happening in the Middle East will depend on the young person’s age and maturity.

Reassure them that their feelings are valid, and they can come to you or another safe and trusted adult to talk about how they feel at any time. If they don’t feel comfortable talking to you, another family member or teacher, Childline is available around the clock.

It can be worth reminding young people that there is a lot of news and information around, especially on social media, and that not all of it is accurate. Encourage them to follow age-appropriate and reliable news sources, such as Newsround, for factual updates.

Remember, this shouldn’t be a one-off conversation, but an ongoing discussion. Keeping the conversation open will also help them feel able to talk if they see something that distresses them.

Help them understand what they viewed and give them space to express how it made them feel – this will help them associate their feelings with the content, and explain why they shouldn’t share distressing material.

For more tips and advice, visit the NSPCC’s Online Safety Hub or the NSPCC’s fake news, hoaxes and misinformation section of the website.