'How to Answer When a Child Asks About a Plane Crash'... This Is How Parents Respond

Dr. Seocheon Seok
"Avoid exposing children in lower elementary grades to news"
Providing simple information is advisable when children ask questions

Amid ongoing news about the Muan International Airport and Jeju Airport passenger plane disasters, Dr. Seocheon Seok, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and director of the Happy Child Research Institute, advised that "it is best not to expose infants and lower-grade elementary school children to news of the accidents."

On the 30th, an official is arranging condolence flowers at the joint memorial altar for the Jeju Air passenger plane accident, set up at the Muan Comprehensive Sports Park in Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 29th, Dr. Seocheon posted on his social media (SNS) that "it is best not to expose infants and lower-grade elementary school children, especially those who are usually sensitive and anxious, to news about the Jeju Air passenger plane accident." He further warned, "Repeatedly watching video footage is absolutely not good and can cause anxiety and various related symptoms."

But what should parents do if their child hears about such an accident from elsewhere and asks questions? Regarding this, Dr. Seocheon advised, "Do not avoid it; provide simple information." He said, "Tell them that although it is very rare, a sad event happened," and added, "If there is a religion, pray in the religious way; if not, say let's pray that those people have gone to a good place."

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Seocheon Seok.

He also explained that when sharing such stories with children, it is better to look into their eyes and hold their hands while speaking. Dr. Seocheon added, "As is well known, the probability of a plane accident or death rate is much lower than that of cars or other means of transportation," and said, "It is also good to find and share objective data." He emphasized that a parent's calm and unafraid attitude is the most important factor in soothing a child's anxiety.

Dr. Seocheon Seok Facebook Post

Many netizens who saw the post agreed, saying it was advice much needed at this time. One netizen, who identified themselves as an elementary school counselor, said, "Among my clients, there is a student who particularly likes airplanes, so I think the child will definitely mention the accident first," and asked for advice on what to be mindful of during counseling. In response, Dr. Seocheon said, "In counseling, any emotions the child expresses are helpful," and added, "It helps to acknowledge that such feelings can arise and are natural. As long as the child is not progressing into pathological thought processes, it is not a problem." However, as mentioned earlier, Dr. Seocheon reiterated, "Tell the child that the human brain is not made to get used to such (accident) scenes and can be affected," and "Advise that repeatedly watching accident scenes in videos or images is not helpful."

Another netizen, presumed to be a teacher, shared their concerns, saying, "How should I explain this to the students I meet at school tomorrow? I would prefer not to mention it, but I am worried because some students will surely talk about it lightly." To this, Dr. Seocheon suggested, "First, find out if there is a friend in the class who is related to the accident, and if there is no child directly involved, I think you can treat the children as usual." He added, "However, it is good to tell them that when a sad event happens nationally, we have a culture of sharing sorrow, comforting, helping, and overcoming difficulties together. Saying that grieving together is a beautiful culture might be a good approach."