Wellbeing

Supporting children

By Email this article

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is distressing, and our prayers go out to everyone affected by it. In the college, there is a heightened awareness about it, with students talking about it and its implications. They’re asking questions about what’s happening, with some anxiety about what will happen next and its effects on us in Australia. It is natural for children to look for answers and seek support, and it can be challenging to know what to say when we may also be confused and upset by media reports.

There are a number of recommendations you can use when supporting children, mindful we cannot entirely shield them from it, yet we can support them to stay calm, and understand its impact here.

Take care of yourself

Be aware of the impact news reports are having on you. Children rely on parents as barometers on how they should react to events. If you remain calm and pragmatic, children can mirror this reaction and respond similarly. Be honest if you are also uncertain and worried about what is happening, as we all feel for the people who are affected.

Listen to them

Children’s exposure to news media is passive, which means that they do not have the opportunity to respond and ask questions. Be available to listen to their reactions and questions. Try to answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner. If you do not know the answer, that’s ok, and you can use that opportunity to find out the answers together.

Remind them that the conflict is far away, and they are safe. Some children may be more vulnerable at this time, particularly children who have previously experienced trauma, so it is particularly important to listen to them and support them. It is also important to reinforce that we do not have a lot of control about what is going on, yet your child may be interested in finding small ways they can help.

Use news media wisely

It is easy to be bombarded with reports and images of war on news services and social media. Support your child by limiting their exposure to these images. This could include ‘no screen times’, , and having boundaries around social media use, particularly with unfiltered and unverified videos circulating. However, it is important not to block the news entirely. Support your child to access age appropriate and credible media together. Use news services like Behind The News to explain the conflict and enable discussion about what’s happening.
The aim is to have calm and open conversations with your children. For more suggestions to support your children visit the ABC and ReachOut.

Anxiety study

While anxiety can be helpful when dealing with new challenges and novel situations, feelings of nervousness, worry and fear, brought on by experiencing certain triggers or events, and/or the expectation that this is too frightening, or difficult to cope with, can lead to children not coping in many situations.

If your child has anxiety you may be interested in a new study. The online Australian Childhood Anxiety Treatment Study (ACATS) conducted by Griffith University Queensland is offering children aged 7-12-years the opportunity to participate. The project will examine two treatment conditions and determine if they are as effective as each other in alleviating children’s anxiety disorders. For more information contact the Project Coordinators, Dr Rachel Sluis or Katherine Ryan, cadrp@griffith.edu.au or (07) 3735 3351. This study has received Catholic Education SA ethics approval.

Andrea Fairlie
College Psychologist R-12