In Saint Lucia today, we cannot ignore the reality that conversations about crime and violence dominate the airwaves, community gatherings and family discussions. Shootings and unrest are reported almost weekly and while adults wrestle with solutions one group is often left out of the discussion; our children.
Children are listening. They may not be aware of every detail of the news broadcast, but they pick up on the national anxiety around violence. They hear the fear in their parents’ voices when another shooting is reported, the frustration when adults say the country is getting worse and the hopelessness when people wonder aloud if things will ever change. Even if no one explains what has happened, children feel the weight of it.
When children are not guided through these realities, they are left to process these events on their own. And the mind of a child as we know- still developing and searching for meaning – often fills the silence with its own interpretations. In the absence of guidance children are open to create internal truths, i.e assumptions about their community, about Saint Lucia, about themselves, and about others. These silent conclusions can be more damaging than the external violence itself, because they shape a child’s worldview. Without correction, these unspoken narratives can harden into core beliefs that guide how they view life and interact with it.
Without an outlet, children often internalize their reactions, both cognitively and emotionally. Unprocessed fears turn inward and show up through the body and behavior. For some, it may appear as sleepless nights, nightmares, or shifts in behavior. For others, it presents in irritability, sudden outbursts or difficulty concentrating in school. Teachers and parents may notice shifts in a child’s behavior and misinterpret them as disobedience or a lack of discipline, when in reality the child is showing signs of distress. Traditionally, we have understood children’s behavioral difficulties mainly through family matters – conflict at home, parenting styles, or unmet emotional needs. While these are important, there is another dimension that is often overlooked; i.e. psychological distress brought on by challenges in the wider community. The atmosphere of violence and loss that echoes through everyday conversations can all weigh heavily on a child’s developing sense of safety and security.
Children are shaped not only by what happens within their homes but also by the wider environment in which they grow. The climate of a society whether safe and stable or fearful and uncertain, seeps quietly into a child’s psychological world. Without calling attention to these unspoken realities, children are at risk of developing long-lasting beliefs about themselves and the world: “The world is unsafe.” “Adults cannot protect me.” “Danger is everywhere.” These core beliefs can affect their mental health for years, shaping how they relate to others, how they trust, and even how they envision their future.
The good news is that silence does not have to win. When parents and caregivers create space for open, age-appropriate conversations, they reduce the burden children carry. Talking about violence does not increase fear but results in quite the opposite. It gives children the chance to voice what is on their minds, receive reassurance and learn healthier ways of coping.
So here’s what you can do. Start by listening. Ask simple, open-ended questions:
• “What have you heard about what happened?”
• “How are you feeling about it?”
• “What are your thoughts about you have heard?”
• “Do you have any questions?”
This helps correct misinformation and shows the child that their thoughts and feelings are valid. It also gives parents insight into how much the child knows and what needs to be addressed.
Not every child needs the same level of detail. The conversation should match the child’s stage of development. For young children between the ages of 5 to 8 years, keep explanations short and focused on their safety. For preteens ages 9 to12 years, offer more context about the realities of what they are experiencing. For teenagers aged 13 years and older, invite dialogue about what is glaringly obvious in the headlines and how it affects them. Such conversations not only reduce fear but also foster critical thinking and a sense of civic responsibility.
In addition to open conversation, children also need practical tools to manage their overall psychological wellness – strategies not only for managing emotions but also for calming their thoughts, building healthy routines and strengthening their sense of security. Violent headlines can make the world appear dark. This can be balanced by showing children examples of helpers and positive stories which occur in their communities and in Saint Lucia. Children need to know and see that while violence exists, it does not define who we are as a nation. Acts of kindness, responsibility, and courage are also part of our story.
Consider two approaches in attending to children: – Imagine a nine-year-old overhearing her parents talk about a shooting. She doesn’t understand the details, but she sees the fear, hopelessness, heightened concern on their faces. At school, she struggles to focus and tells her teacher she doesn’t want to play outside anymore. No one asks her how she feels, and she silently decides that the world is unsafe.
Now imagine a different scenario. A nine-year-old parents notices his worry and sit with him: “Yes, something sad happened in our community or country. It is scary, and it’s okay to feel that way. But you are safe here and we will always take care of you. If you ever feel scared, you can talk to us.” Then they encourage him to express his thoughts and feelings in a healthy way and reminds him of the persons who work hard to keep the community/country safe.
The difference is profound. In the first scenario, silence deepens fear. In the second, conversation plants seeds of resilience.
Saint Lucia is more than its headlines. Amid the social pressures and risks present in our society, we must not forget the impact on little ears and little hearts. Children must not be left to carry national anxieties on their own. They need age appropriate outlets for expressions, reassurance that restores their security and tools that teach them resilience.
As a nation our role is not only to debate solutions but also to guide the next generation through the storm. Because what they hear, what they feel and how we choose to respond will shape not only their peace of mind today but also the kind of adults they become tomorrow.
So let us remember: little ears are listening.