Young people are supported to step back from upsetting news and notice what helps them feel calmer, safer and more in control. The leaflet is aimed especially at autistic young people, children and teenagers who may find sad news, worrying headlines or repeated media coverage difficult to process.
The pages introduce five top tips written by autistic young people, with the visible tips focusing on taking a break from bad news, balancing difficult stories with happier news, talking to family or friends, and doing something enjoyable instead of thinking about the news all the time. The wording is brief and direct, making it suitable for young people who prefer clear guidance without lots of text.
Parents, carers, teachers, SEND staff, youth workers and counsellors could use the PDF when a child or teen is upset by the news, asking repeated questions about world events, or feeling anxious after reading or watching something distressing. It could be printed for home, added to a wellbeing folder, used in a school pastoral session, or shared during a one-to-one conversation about news anxiety and emotional regulation.
The format works well as a visual reminder because each tip is presented separately with large text and simple illustrations. Rather than asking young people to ignore their feelings, it encourages manageable coping strategies such as reducing exposure, seeking reassurance from trusted people, and choosing an activity that gives their mind a break.
Searchers looking for autism-friendly coping tools, sad news support for kids, bad news anxiety worksheets, media worries advice for teenagers, or printable wellbeing resources for autistic children are likely to find this leaflet relevant. The tips are credited within the PDF as being written by autistic young people.
