Children need truthful language without graphic details, repeated reassurance that the death was not their fault, and adults who remain available as questions change over time.
If there is immediate physical danger, an active attempt, or a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.
Use clear words
Avoid confusing euphemisms about sleep or going away. Give only the information needed for the child’s age and situation, and say when you do not know an answer.
Repeat the messages that matter
The death was not your fault.
You can ask questions now or later.
Many adults are here to care for you.
You are not responsible for fixing anyone’s grief.
Watch for changing needs
Children may move in and out of grief, repeat questions, play, become clingy, struggle at school, or worry that other people will die. A pediatrician, school professional, or grief clinician can help when concerns persist or intensify.
If the child becomes unsafe
Ask directly about suicide when warning signs or concerning statements appear. Do not assume a young age removes risk. Contact 988 and qualified care when safety is uncertain.
Qualified review pending — not clinically endorsed. A suicide-loss or grief clinician and a suicide-safe messaging reviewer must review this page. A licensed youth mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page. A qualified privacy or youth-safeguarding reviewer must review confidentiality, caregiver-disclosure, and minimum-necessary-sharing language.
Last editorial update
July 30, 2026
Review schedule
Initial qualified review required before broad promotion
Editorial status
Cited editorial guidance. It is not clinically endorsed. A suicide-loss or grief clinician and a suicide-safe messaging reviewer must review this page. A licensed youth mental-health clinician and a suicide-prevention specialist must review this page. A qualified privacy or youth-safeguarding reviewer must review confidentiality, caregiver-disclosure, and minimum-necessary-sharing language.
