It’s normal for such events to raise questions, emotions, or even spark fear in some cases. As a school, we want to offer some guidance to help you support your children during any unsettling situation such as this. We know that events like these—especially when they involve violence—can feel overwhelming, even when they happen far from home. Here's some guidance on how you can encourage your child to open up, and show that, as a community, we stand against violence:

1. Check in Gently

Start by creating space for a conversation. A simple, open-ended question like “Did you hear anything in the news that upset you?” or “How are you feeling about everything that’s been going on?” can invite your child to share without pressure.

Let them take the lead. Some children may have lots of questions or feelings, while others may prefer to process things quietly. Both responses are completely normal.

2. Offer Reassurance

Even if the incident happened far away, it's not unusual for children and young people to worry about their own safety. You can reassure them that they are safe, that their school is a secure environment, and that many people—both in schools and in wider society—are working hard to keep children protected and well.

3. Be Honest, But Age-Appropriate

Children appreciate honesty, but they also need information that’s suitable for their age and maturity. If they ask questions, answer them simply and calmly. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say so.

You might say, “It’s really sad when things like this happen, and I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here to talk with you about it.”

4. Limit Media Exposure

Repeated exposure to distressing news can be overwhelming, especially for younger teens and children. If possible, help them take breaks from constant scrolling and instead encourage them to engage in something comforting or grounding—such as going for a walk, drawing, or talking things through.

5. Know When to Seek Support

Keep an eye out for any signs that your child is struggling more deeply—such as changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or social behaviour. While most children are resilient, some may need a little extra support.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school if you have concerns. We’re here to help. You can also explore services like:

• YoungMinds: youngminds.org.uk

• Support in School: contact the safeguarding team on safeguarding@bhcs.sfet.org.uk

 

As a school community, we know that young people look to the adults in their lives for comfort, stability, and reassurance—especially during difficult times. Thank you for being that calm, supportive presence for your child.

If your child has been particularly affected by the recent news and you feel it would be helpful for us to be aware, please contact their form tutor or a member of our pastoral team, detailed above.