Here are some talking points to consider when discussing the Coronavirus with your elementary-aged children. Some children are more interested and have questions, and some are not that interested. We recommend that their questions guide your discussion.
General tips when talking to children:
- Use developmentally appropriate language.
- Tell the truth.
- Be aware of your own emotions around this: if children think you are upset/anxious, then they are more likely to get upset/anxious.
- Give simple, practical advice.
- Encourage students to ask adults questions if they have any.
Talking Points for this context:
- You might have heard about something called the “Coronavirus.” The Coronavirus is a common virus across the world: both the common cold and the flu are types of the Coronavirus. There is a new kind of Coronavirus. It is in the news right now. It is an illness that makes people get sick like the flu with a fever and cough. A majority of people who get sick feel like they have the cold or flu and get better within a week or so.
- The reason this virus is in the news right now is because a lot of people are getting sick from it.
- There are simple things you can do to stay healthy: wash your hands before eating and use tissues to blow your nose, cough, and sneeze, avoid touching your face, and stay home and see a doctor if you get sick.
- Some people feel that because the illness started in China, it means they can’t play with or be around people from China. Just because someone is Chinese does not mean he/she is sick or can make you sick.
- While this particular virus started in China, other viruses in the past have started in other places.
- Choosing not to play with someone because they are from a certain country is exclusion and not kind.
- If you are worried or have questions, you should ask an adult.