Experts Advise Parents, Educators on Discussing Iran War with Students

Navigating difficult conversations as disturbing news and images spread online

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:03pm

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As the war with Iran continues, parents and educators are facing the challenge of discussing the conflict with students of all ages who are exposed to disturbing news and images online. Experts warn it is a delicate balance to have these conversations in an age-appropriate way, without shying away from the realities of the situation. They advise starting with a listening approach, fact-checking misinformation, and ensuring adults have their own emotions in check before engaging students.

Why it matters

The ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict has become a major news story, with the horrors of war playing out in real-time on social media and news outlets. This is creating a difficult situation for parents and educators who need to address the topic with students, many of whom are consuming this information and misinformation online faster than adults can keep up. Navigating these conversations in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way is crucial for supporting students' emotional wellbeing and critical thinking skills.

The details

Experts advise that parents and educators start these conversations by listening to students, asking what they have heard and how they are feeling, rather than feeling the need to have all the answers. This helps gauge the child's level of understanding and need for support. They also caution against graphic details and recommend focusing on factual information, while acknowledging that media can be used as propaganda during wartime. Maintaining a calm, collected demeanor is key, as students will take cues from the adult leading the discussion.

  • The U.S.-Iran war has been dominating news headlines and social media since early 2026.
  • The Trump administration has provided varying timelines for the expected duration of the conflict, from 'unconditional surrender' to a quick wrap-up.

The players

Scott Woitaszewski

Chair of the school safety and crisis response committee for the National Association of School Psychologists.

Alison Holman

A health psychologist and professor in the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing and Department of Psychology at the University of California, Irvine.

Robin Gurwitch

A psychologist who specializes in children exposed to traumatic events and a professor at the Duke University School of Medicine.

Erlanger Turner

A licensed psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Pepperdine University.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who has made varying statements about the expected duration and goals of the war with Iran.

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What they’re saying

“I would say starting with a listening mindset and letting the conversation go from there, instead of thinking an adult has to have 'all the right answers, so to speak.'”

— Scott Woitaszewski, Chair of the school safety and crisis response committee for the National Association of School Psychologists

“It's important for kids to understand that, so that when they look at stuff and engage with the media, they're engaging in a way that is helping them, recognizing and looking at it and thinking about it in a critical way, instead of just accepting what they're seeing, especially if they're scrolling on social media.”

— Alison Holman, Health psychologist and professor

“Before you start any conversation, take a breath, sort of make sure that you're calm, that you've got your thoughts together, that you have some ideas of what you're about, what you know about the situations, your feelings about your beliefs and values.”

— Robin Gurwitch, Psychologist and professor

What’s next

The Trump administration has given varying timelines for how long it expects the war with Iran to continue, leaving parents and educators uncertain about how long these difficult conversations will need to continue.

The takeaway

Discussing the complex and disturbing realities of the U.S.-Iran war with students requires a thoughtful, fact-based approach that prioritizes emotional support and critical thinking. By modeling calm, empathetic dialogue, adults can help young people navigate this challenging global conflict.