With global unrest and disturbing images flooding social media, many Danish parents are struggling to help their children cope. Experts say open conversations and calm guidance can ease anxiety and restore a sense of security.
Children Feel the Weight of Global Crises
Wars, protests, and disasters are not far from view for young Danes scrolling online. Between dance videos and memes, they often encounter footage of burning cities, soldiers in battle, and political debates at home dinner tables. Such glimpses into global conflict can easily cause unease and fear among children and teenagers.
Experts at Save the Children Denmark warn that these impressions build up. Kids absorb the worried tone of adults and the tension they sense in daily life. Learning how to talk to children about frightening news is key to keeping them grounded and safe.
Start with How You Talk at the Dinner Table
Adults often discuss heavy topics without filtering the content for young ears. Clinical child psychologist Anne-Mette Lange suggests speaking in calm, age-appropriate language. Focus on facts, not political debate or frightening details. Children do not need to know everything to feel informed. Keeping the tone reassuring helps them feel protected and heard.
Watch the News Together, at Their Level
One practical step is choosing children’s news formats like DR’s *Ultra Nyt*, which presents current events in simplified, balanced ways. Watching such programs together allows parents to see how professionals tailor information for kids. It also creates natural opportunities to discuss what they just watched and clarify any misunderstandings.
Talking together this way aligns with open and respectful Danish parenting habits, where dialogue and emotional trust form a strong foundation for learning and mental well-being.
Recognize Worries but Reinforce Safety
Nighttime is often when anxiety rises. Children may think about wars, disasters, or safety concerns just as they are trying to sleep. Experts advise reminding them that it is normal to feel worried when the day quiets down. Let them know adults are responsible for keeping them safe and that home is a secure place.
To shift focus toward something positive, encourage the child to recall two good things from their day. The goal is not to deny their fear but to balance it with comfort and reality-based reassurance.
Revisit the Topic Over Time
Some children need continuous reassurance. Instead of treating one talk as the solution, tell your child you can revisit the topic tomorrow or whenever new questions come up. Repetition helps them process emotions and builds trust. When events evolve, check in again to provide updated and consistent explanations.
In households where open communication is typical, these follow-up conversations reinforce feelings of belonging and emotional safety, especially during uncertain times.
Be Mindful of Social Media Exposure
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram can expose children to unfiltered and disturbing content. Parents should regularly talk about what their kids see online and teach them to question sources critically. In some cases, it might be wise to limit exposure or take breaks from certain platforms. The goal is not restriction for its own sake but emotional protection from fear-inducing content.
Without strong guidance, children can easily misinterpret what they see online. Encouraging balance between online curiosity and real-life conversation protects their sense of stability.
Building Resilience Through Communication
When global events dominate the news, keeping children informed yet emotionally steady requires ongoing attention. Honest and consistent dialogue helps them understand complex issues without being overwhelmed. In Danish culture, where family conversation is central, discussing hard topics with calmness and empathy is both natural and necessary.
It also connects directly to broader themes of mental health. Parents who check in regularly about world events often notice improvements in their children’s confidence and coping strategies—a reminder that emotional resilience grows through presence, not silence.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Parenting Insights, Tips & Cultural Perspectives
The Danish Dream: Mental Health in Denmark for Foreigners
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