As conversations about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) become more common, children may begin to feel anxious about themselves, their family, or friends getting sick. Trusted adults-including parents, teachers, relatives, and caregivers-play a vital role in helping children process the information they hear. By offering explanations that are honest, age-appropriate, and calming, adults can help ease children's fears. Our nursing essay writers discovered the CDC has developed tips for talking to kids about COVID-19 and helping them understand how to stay safe and prevent the virus from spreading.
Tips for talking to children
Stay calm and reassuring
Children often react not only to what adults say but also to the emotions they express. They observe body language and tone during discussions, so staying composed helps them feel secure.
Be available to talk and listen
Create space for open communication. Let children know they can always approach you with their questions and concerns.
Avoid language that can cause blame or stigma
Remind children that viruses don’t discriminate. Anyone can catch an illness like COVID-19, no matter their background, so it's important not to assume or say who might be infected.
Monitor what children are exposed to through media
Try to limit how much COVID-19-related content children see online or on TV. An overload of information can increase their anxiety.
Give them truthful, age-appropriate information
Provide facts in a way children can understand, based on their developmental level. Talk about how not everything they see on social media or the internet may be true.
Teach everyday habits that help stop the spread of germs
Encourage kids to avoid close contact with anyone who seems unwell. Teach them to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, and to throw used tissues in the trash. Let them know that schools might introduce changes like more handwashing or canceling events to help keep everyone safe.
Help children build a regular handwashing routine
Teach them to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—especially after coughing, sneezing, using the restroom, or before meals. If soap and water aren’t available, show them how to use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Make sure young children use it under adult supervision, especially in schools and child care centers.
COVID-19 facts for kids
Use simple language and remind children that people in charge—like doctors and school staff—are working hard to keep everyone healthy and protected.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 stands for "coronavirus disease 2019." It’s a new type of virus, and scientists are still learning about it. It has caused many people to get sick. Experts believe that most people, especially kids, will be okay, though some may get very sick. Doctors and health workers are doing their best to help people stay well.
How can I keep from getting COVID-19?
You can protect yourself and others by practicing healthy habits:
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue—then throw the tissue away.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds—remember the steps: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry. You can sing “Happy Birthday” twice while scrubbing.
- If you can’t wash your hands, ask an adult to help you use hand sanitizer.
- Keep shared items clean. Older kids can help clean things like light switches, desks, doorknobs, and remote controls. (Grown-ups can find more details about cleaning on the CDC website.)
- If you feel sick, stay home. Just like you don’t want to catch germs, others don’t want to catch yours either.
What if someone gets sick with COVID-19?
- COVID-19 can affect people in different ways. For many, the symptoms are like having the flu, cough, and trouble breathing. Most people recover and don’t become very ill. Only a small number of people get seriously sick. So far, children don’t seem to get very sick from it. While many adults do become ill, most recover well.
- And remember—just because someone is sick doesn’t mean they have COVID-19. People can get sick from many kinds of germs. What matters is that adults at home or school are ready to help you feel better and get care if needed.
- If you think your child might have COVID-19, call your healthcare provider before visiting. Let them know in advance so they can prepare to give the best care safely.
Resources
- CDC’s COVID-19 website
- Talking to Children about COVID-19, developed by the National Association of School Nurses and the National Association of School Psychologists. Also available in Spanish
- Helping Children Cope with Emergencies