Student Wellbeing

Support Following Critical Incidents

The tragic events of Sunday night in Bondi have had a significant impact on us all, and right across Australia. Every family who has lost loved ones, those who were at the beach that afternoon, the emergency services personnel who put their lives at risk, and the everyday people who tried to assist in the most challenging and frightening of times, are all in our thoughts and prayers. It is so difficult to comprehend.   

In particular, young children may see images and hear conversations as we watch the news and discuss the events. You may choose to try to shield your child from events which may frighten or confuse them, but they may learn about them through others at school. It is important to be prepared for questions and behaviours which come directly from the inability to process such complex information. The guides and links below will provide you with some strategies and tips for handling questions, how much to share depending on age and how to reassure your child that they are safe and protected. Your presence is vital at this time, as children sense anxiety in the adults around them and may react by being more clingy at this time.

It is important to reduce the input for younger children, so turning off the tv / radio may be one step which assists in reducing anxiety.   

If your child experiences a more prolonged response to this event, or other disasters which might occur, it is vital to follow up with your GP or seek the advice of experts in this area; the contact details for some support services are shared below:

Phone Resources 

For students – Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

• For adults -
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or chat online
  • MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
• For members of our First Nations community – 13 Yarn: 13 92 76.