Young people may, understandable, be worried and confused by the current series of attacks not only in the UK, but across the world. Knowing how best to support them and answer their questions can be tricky; their age and and environment will also impact on how best to respond.
Remember that you should always work to your school’s guidance and take any concerns you have about young people showing stress to your Safeguarding team. Your Prevent Policy will also give advice as to how to deal with concerns of extremism within your community.
Some sites have produced helpful guidance information:
The NSPCC have some pointers and video examples for parents, but these also apply to those working with young people https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-we-do/news-opinion/supporting-children-worried-about-terrorism/
Childline have provided very valuable advice and information to answer questions on ‘Worries about the World‘ at https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/anxiety-stress-panic/worries-about-the-world/
The Guardian has provided a ‘Tips for Teachers’ article https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2017/may/26/talking-about-terrorist-attacks-with-young-people-tips-for-teachers
Andrew Hall a Safeguarding consultant has put together further information, ‘Supporting school children after terrorist incidents‘, with web links to site and printable leaflets you may wish to share with young people.
