How to talk to children about accidents without scaring them
By Steve Ireri, August 16, 2025The last days of July and the early weeks of August have been marked by a wave of tragic accidents across the country, leaving families and communities in deep mourning. From the Mwihoko plane crash in Kiambu County, which claimed six lives, including four AMREF staff, to the Kisumu Coptic Roundabout accident that killed 26 people, these events have dominated news cycles and social media feeds.
With news spreading instantly through television, online platforms, and social media, children are increasingly exposed to reports of such tragedies. The constant influx of distressing information can be confusing or frightening for young minds who may lack the emotional tools to understand and process these events. For parents and caregivers, discussing these incidents requires careful framing, sensitivity, and reassurance.
While research has stressed that the way adults approach these conversations can profoundly shape a child’s sense of safety, emotional resilience, and ability to cope with the ongoing stream of tragic information, here are 5 tips.
1. Provide honest, age-appropriate information
Children need truthful explanations, but these must be tailored to their level of understanding. For younger children, avoid graphic descriptions or statistics that might overwhelm them.
Focus instead on the rarity of such events and the steps people take to stay safe. For older children, provide context and facts without dramatising the situation. According to research, honesty fosters trust, while oversimplification or deception can increase anxiety and confusion.
2. Encourage emotional expression
It is essential to give children the opportunity to talk openly about their thoughts and emotions regarding tragic events. Encourage them by asking questions such as, “How do you feel about what happened?” or “What worries you about this?”
Pay close attention to their responses, listening without interrupting, judging, or immediately offering solutions. Validating their feelings, letting them know it is okay to feel scared, sad, or confused, helps children process their emotions safely and prevents them from bottling up anxiety.
Reassure them that feeling unsettled or worried after hearing about accidents and tragedies is a normal response, and that sharing these emotions with trusted adults can help them feel supported and secure. Creating a calm, open environment for dialogue strengthens trust and helps children develop the emotional tools to cope with difficult news.
3. Limit exposure to distressing media
Constant exposure to graphic news reports, videos, or social media commentary can amplify fear and lead to misconceptions about how often accidents occur. Children are particularly vulnerable to vivid images and dramatic language, which can make tragedies feel closer and more personal than they actually are.
Parents should actively monitor the content their children consume, including what they see on television, YouTube, social media platforms, and even messaging apps. Instead of leaving children to interpret disturbing stories on their own, provide clear, calm explanations of what happened, focusing on the facts that are necessary for understanding.
Reassure them that adults and authorities are taking measures to keep people safe, and remind them that the media often highlights extreme or rare events rather than the day-to-day realities. By creating boundaries around exposure and offering thoughtful guidance, parents can help children develop a balanced perspective and reduce unnecessary anxiety.
4. Reassure safety and maintain stability
Children draw comfort from stability and the familiarity of everyday routines, especially during times of distress. Keeping daily activities consistent, such as school, meals, playtime, and family rituals, helps reinforce a sense of security and normalcy, even in the face of unsettling news.
Reassure children about the safety of their immediate environment, emphasising that adults are taking steps to keep them protected. Pair these reassurances with nurturing activities, like reading together, playing games, or engaging in creative projects, to help children process emotions in a safe and balanced way.
Blending factual reassurance with consistent routines and supportive interactions can play a key role in helping parents foster emotional resilience and help children feel grounded despite exposure to distressing events.
5. Recognise when professional support is needed
Persistent signs of distress, such as difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares, withdrawal, or heightened anxiety, may indicate that a child requires additional support. Consulting a child psychologist or counsellor can provide tailored strategies for coping with anxiety, building resilience, and understanding complex events in a safe space.
Need
While it may be tempting to shield children entirely from news of accidents and tragedies, doing so can leave them unprepared for situations that might directly affect their lives. If a family member, friend, or neighbour is ever involved in an incident, children who have not been gently introduced to the reality of accidents may experience shock, fear, and confusion at an intensity far greater than those who have been guided through earlier discussions.
By providing age-appropriate explanations and helping children understand that misfortunes can happen while also highlighting safety measures, parents equip them with emotional tools to process difficult events. This gradual exposure builds resilience and ensures that, should tragedy touch their own lives, children can navigate the situation with a clearer perspective, reduced panic, and greater emotional support.