Danish authorities and three children’s organizations launched seven guidelines on August 26, 2026, to help adults talk with children about crises and worries.
The Danish Agency for Societal Security, Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed, presented the guidance together with Børns Vilkår, Red Barnet and Røde Kors. Avisen Danmark reports that the seven pieces of advice are aimed at parents, pedagogues, teachers and adults in general.
The agency points to images and news about war, disasters, crises and accidents that circulate widely and can reach children. According to the Ministry for Societal Security and Emergency Management, adults carry a particular responsibility for handling children’s worries.
Minister for Societal Security and Emergency Management Lisbeth Bech-Nielsen of SF said in a press release that she is glad and proud, as both a mother and a minister, that the seven concrete pieces of advice can support good conversations with children in what she called a turbulent time.
What the seven guidelines say
DR reports that the guidelines are meant to help children and young people find calm amid the information they encounter, including on social media, in the schoolyard and online. Two of the points involve helping children sort facts from rumors and frightening stories, and pointing to hope and possible courses of action.
Berlingske published the full list in a separate factual article. The seven points are to ask and listen, to take feelings seriously, to adapt the conversation to age and maturity, and to help sort facts from rumors. The remaining points are to create security in everyday life and keep routines, to point to hope and ways to act, and to stay calm even when it is difficult.
Rasmus Kjeldahl, director of Børns Vilkår, stated in the press release that children cannot be fully shielded from news and worries when crises occur. He added that adults can still be present for them and help create calm and a sense of safety. Børns Vilkår notes that children pick up more than many parents think.
Anders Ladekarl, secretary general of Røde Kors, said the most important thing is not to have all the answers. According to him, adults should be curious about what the child already knows, what the child imagines, and what it is specifically worried about. He added that worries often shrink when children and young people get the chance to share their thoughts.
The guidance sheet also addresses cases where concerns persist. If worries continue to fill a child’s everyday life and affect it, the sheet advises seeking counseling from professionals.
Berlingske and Amtsavisen carried the same Ritzau-based account of the launch. No separate agency press release beyond the Ritzau material was identified.
