By Hannah Furfaro
The Seattle Times for Runta News
When students sat down in Anthony D’Amico’s social studies class this week, they asked questions that sit heavily on his own mind.
What’s going on with the coronavirus?
Is it serious?
Will schools close?
D’Amico, an intern teacher at Ingraham High School in Seattle, admitted he doesn’t know all the answers. He wishes he did.
“Students tend to be very curious and questioning about what’s going on,” he said. “I just said, ‘We’re going to play it by ear, see how things go. No need to freak out yet, make sure you are washing your hands and treating people with respect.’ ”
Children across Washington have been asking their teachers, parents and caregivers tough questions about COVID-19, the illness caused by a new coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, with its first U.S. outbreak in Washington state. They’re turning to adults they trust for the facts — and to ease their stress or fears.
They also sought their own explanations and chatted with friends, D’Amico said. When he’s heard students swapping conspiracy theories, such as the false idea that the virus was created in a lab, he’s been quick to dispel them. He’s also been fast to act when students use slurs against their peers: At least a few times, he said, he’s overheard students call Chinese classmates “corona.”
“I address that real quick in my class,” he said. “That was not going to be OK.”
Looking for tips on how to have frank conversations about the coronavirus with children and teens? Here’s what federal agencies, the World Health Organization and local experts suggest. trim for print. You might also find this NPR comic helpful.
Be a good listener
Kids react differently to stress than adults do: They might express themselves through conversation, but they may also draw, play or show their emotions by changing their behaviors or habits. Follow the child’s lead.
Some children may ask lots of questions to soothe their anxiety, said Lynn Fainsilber Katz, research professor of child clinical psychology at the University of Washington. Others may withdraw. In any case, it’s up to adults to be good listeners and give children extra attention.
Adults can ask children questions about what they’re hearing on TV or at school. They can also reassure them that it’s OK to feel anxious or upset, guidance from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests.
But adults shouldn’t let these conversations dominate class time or dinner-table conversation. And if children want to watch the news or read stories about the outbreak, monitor what they’re taking in.
For older children and teens who are likely getting information on their own, stick to what you know is true. If you’re having trouble sorting fact from fiction, check out sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the World Health Organization. You can also find resources at Seattletimes.com.
For questions you don’t know the answer to, don’t fake it. Misinformation can lead to more anxiety, Katz said.
For all age groups, present information in a “calm, descriptive and factual manner,” she added.
Reassure children
Parents can remind children that they’re doing everything possible to keep their family healthy; likewise, teachers can describe all the ways that students can protect themselves. For instance, adults can remind children to wash their hands often and to cover their mouth with their elbow when they sneeze.
“Instead of feeling powerless to this illness it gives them a sense of agency,” Katz said.
The World Health Organization recommends that adults provide information about risk in a reassuring way. For example, adults can say to kids that they aren’t particularly vulnerable to the virus, unless they have a compromised immune system. Adults should also be honest about the possibility that if they or someone they know feels ill, they may need to see a doctor or go to the hospital.
Keep regular routines
To whatever extent possible, stick to regular schedules at school and at home, the World Health Organization suggests. If school closes, parents can create a new routine at home. Give kids time to play, relax and take their mind off what’s worrying them.
Adults should also lead by example, Havey said. “Keep with routine and consistency, follow best practices,” she said. “I think that will help children to better understand that we need to be practical and in charge of our bodies.”
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