Many children and young people witnessed the fatal bus accident, which occurred near several schools in Stockholm. Films quickly spread on social media, where rumors abounded about what was behind it.
"Last night I heard children here in my area who had heard various rumors and were talking about it," says Hanna Thermaenius at Save the Children.
She thinks it is important for parents to talk to their children about what has happened.
As adults, we need to talk about this with children to open up so that it is possible to have a conversation. This also applies to quite young children, she says.
“Putting together puzzles”
Young people seek news in a different way than adults, notes Thermaenius, which becomes evident during news events like this.
I think that those of us who are a little older go to safe media when things like this happen. And sit back and wait. But the young people don't do that. They find their way and put together a puzzle of what has happened.
With that in mind, Hanna Thermaenius thinks that the police and other authorities should release information more quickly after these types of events.
Think about other people's children
That's an ethical question. We really want to be able to trust our authorities. So we don't want them to release information until they know for sure. But I think it would be helpful if it was quite clear, at least about what we know it isn't, she says.
Hanna Thermaenius also thinks that adults should think a little extra about the children around them in the coming days.
Maybe you could think extra about talking to all the kids at soccer practice, or on Monday at school if you are an important adult at school. Because some kids won't have parents who feel like this is something they can talk about.
