How to Talk to Your Kids About Climate Change and Out-of-Control Fires in Australia

With Australia going through the worst bushfire crisis on record, it can be hard to talk to kids about the destruction these fires are having across the country – especially the impact the fires may be having on them.

Children all around the country are seeing heartbreaking images of smouldering homes, dead and injured wildlife, and communities in distress across televisions and social media. All of this can fuel anxiety and even depression in young people who may be experiencing a national crisis for the first time and are unsure of how to process their emotions during a climate-induced disaster.

That’s why it’s so important to reassure children and young people in these hard times – to let them know that they are safe, and to make sure that their concerns and fears are heard.

This helpful guide, produced in partnership with child psychologist Karen Young, is designed to equip parents with seven steps and strategies to help them navigate some of the difficult discussions with their children that may come up during climate-induced disasters.