Troubling events often dominate the media, impacting our children and sometimes leading to confusion, misunderstanding and anxiety. In a society heavily influenced by social media and digital information, it’s more important than ever for schools to address these sensitive issues thoughtfully.

Discussing controversial issues in primary schools can be challenging, but it’s an important part of helping children develop a well-rounded understanding of the world and navigate the information they encounter. 

This blog offers some ideas and resources to support teachers in approaching these sensitive topics.

Guiding conversations

• Use simple, clear language and unprejudiced terms to reassure children. 
• Focus on the facts of the event rather than describing people based on their ethnicity, gender or appearance.
• Emphasise how situations may make people feel, to help children understand the impact of events on emotions without attaching labels or making assumptions.
• Be truthful in your explanations, but avoid going into too much detail. Provide just enough information to help children understand the situation without overwhelming them.
• Look for positives – where are people doing kind, good things in difficult situations? Look for examples of people doing good things in challenging times. Highlighting positives can provide hope and inspire children to do the same.

Managing anxiety around controversial issues

It’s important to recognise that some children may feel anxious when discussing controversial issues.

• Safe spaces: create a classroom environment where children can express their thoughts and emotions. This can include quiet corners, mindfulness activities, anonymous ‘Wonder’ or ‘Question boxes’ or simply offering a listening ear.
• Mindfulness and relaxation: incorporate mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques into the school day to help children manage anxiety.
• Reassurance and support: offer reassurance and make it clear that it’s okay to have different feelings or opinions about difficult topics. Provide additional support for children who struggle more with these discussions.
• Make it clear that discrimination is unacceptable and illegal in many situations.

A number of these free teacher videos offer valuable techniques and insights into managing anxiety, particularly around controversial and sensitive issues. Although they’re a part of our archived Wellbeing scheme, they remain a useful resource for supporting pupils in navigating these challenging topics effectively.

Reflective activities for children

Encouraging children to reflect on controversial issues helps them process and articulate their thoughts.

• Circle time discussions: create a safe space where children can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement. Use prompt questions such as “How would you feel if…?” or “What do you think about…?”.
• Assemblies: whole school assemblies can be a powerful way to discuss controversial issues in a safe, controlled environment. Using short stories, child-friendly news reports or themes such as ‘respect for all’ or ‘understanding differences’ can lay the groundwork for more in-depth discussions in the classroom.
• Use a ‘Wonder box’: similar to journalling, a Wonder box (*see the lesson for a video about this approach) can be an anonymous outlet for difficult questions or worries. It allows the teacher time to consider responses and plan accordingly before ‘approaching/delivering’ something. 
• Guest speakers: inviting people from different backgrounds or organisations can help children understand others better and develop empathy.
• Books and stories: use stories that link to controversial topics, or use themes linked to recent events in the news. For instance, a story about inclusion and diversity can open discussions about race, disability or gender. Some great resources include Diverse and Inclusive Reads and Teaching Diversity Through Reading in Primary Schools.
• Role-playing: allow children to role-play scenarios to consider different perspectives in a situation. 

Embedding British values

British values should underpin all discussions about controversial issues across the curriculum. Kapow Primary shows the links to British values in all subjects on handy mapping documents. But, what else can you do to promote this?

• Respect posters: create classroom posters that highlight British values and encourage children to reflect on how they apply to the controversial topics being discussed.
• Class debates: organise debates on age-appropriate controversial topics. This helps children understand different viewpoints while practising respect and tolerance. It’s important to set up a debate without a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ to encourage children to consider these different viewpoints. 
• Inclusive language: Using inclusive language can ensure discussions remain respectful and reflect the diversity of different people’s viewpoints; this can help build tolerance and mutual respect in the classroom.

Understanding protected characteristics

Protected characteristics, as outlined by the Equality Act 2010, are key to discussions about discrimination and equality. 

• Inclusive curriculum: ensure the curriculum reflects a diverse range of people and stories. Books and resources should include characters and stories that represent different protected characteristics. See relevant resources in the EYFS Wellbeing lesson on similarities and differences and the Year 2 Economic Wellbeing lesson on every job counts.
• Equality workshops: host workshops or themed lessons focusing on specific protected characteristics, such as disability or sexual orientation, and the importance of equality and respect.
• Anti-bullying campaigns: link discussions about protected characteristics to school-wide anti-bullying campaigns, emphasising respect for all individuals. A good example is our RE lesson on understanding protected characteristics and religious freedom.

• Promoting citizenship: encourage children to reflect on their place in society and how they can help others by being active, responsible members of their community, showing kindness and respect to everyone.

Links to help and support

Providing resources and support is crucial for both teachers and children:

• Teacher training: ensure teachers have access to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on handling controversial issues and supporting children through these discussions. Find more support with our livestream recording on approaching sensitive topics in RSE & PSHE. 
• Helplines and websites: make sure teachers and children are aware of organisations that can offer support, such as Childline, NSPCC, The Equality and Human Rights Commission, or the Faith & Belief Forum. 
• Parent communication: Regularly communicate with parents about the topics being discussed in school and offer resources for continuing the conversation at home.

In today’s world, where children are increasingly exposed to complex and sensitive issues, it’s vital to equip them with the tools to navigate these challenges thoughtfully and empathetically. By bringing these elements together, we create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages resilience, understanding and respect, helping children confidently engage with the diverse world around them.

More supporting lessons from Kapow Primary:

• Wellbeing units:
  • Year 1: Citizenship – Similarities and Differences
  • Year 2: Citizenship – Community, Similarities and Differences
  • Year 4: Citizenship – Diverse Communities
  • Year 4: Citizenship – Rights
  • Year 6: Citizenship – Prejudice and Discrimination
  • Year 6: Citizenship – Valuing Diversity
• Religion and worldviews units:
  • Year 4: Are All Religions Equal?
  • Year 5: Why Do People Have to Stand Up for What They Believe In?
  • Year 6: Why Does Religion Look Different Around the World? (Part 1)
  • Year 6: Why Does Religion Look Different Around the World? (Part 2)