Helping Kids Work Through
the Fear and Consequences of Global Violence

In light of recent global events, many are wondering how best to discuss these matters with children to help them work through it.

We acknowledge our young people, especially our tweens and our teenagers, may come into contact with images and videos on various social media channels, and proactively addressing the issues with our children could be helpful.

The following organizations and tools are available for families, schools, and professionals to support youth communication, understanding, and behavioral health during these difficult times.

Helping Kids Work Through the Fear and Consequences of Global Violence – Resources for Families, Educators, and other Professionals:

National Association of School Psychologists

• Supporting Youth Affected by the Violence in Israel and Gaza: Tips for Families and Educators
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators

American School Counseling Association

• Helping Students in Troubling Times

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement

• Talking to Kids about Tragedies in the News
• Talking to Children and Teens About the Israel-Gaza War

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

• Talking to Your Children About War
• Understanding Trauma Responses in Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and When to Seek Help

American Psychological Association

• Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children
• Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children

Behavioral Health Resources for Families, Schools, and Professionals:

National Association of School Psychologists

• Anxiety: Helping Handout for School and Home
• When Grief/Loss Hits Close to Home: Tips for Caregivers
• Addressing Grief: Tips for Teachers and Administrators
• Supporting Children’s Mental Wellness: Tips for Families and Caregivers

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

• Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
• After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal

Military Child Education Coalition

• Military Child Well-being Toolkit
  • PTSD, TBI, Invisible & Physical Injury: Overview
  • Well-being: Physical Well-being, Stress Management, & Mental Health Resources
  • Suicide Prevention & Awareness: Overview
• Anxiety In Young Children: A Military Parents’ Guide Through Transition

Additional Helpline Resources

• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988 (Spanish and Deaf/Hard of Hearing services available)
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline – call or text 1-800-985-5990 (Spanish and Deaf/Hard of Hearing services available)
• Military OneSource – call 1-800-342-9647 for eligible DOD service members and their families
• Veterans Crisis Line – call 1-800-273-8255, press “1” or text 838255 for all service members

A PDF of these resources is available for download here.