Calls for calm in Brisbane as Coronavirus panic sets in causing fearful behaviours.

Act for Kids is urging everyone in the Greater Brisbane Region not to buy into fearful behaviours as panic sets in following the announcement of a three day stay at home order after a coronavirus case carrying the U.K. strain was confirmed.

This morning we have already seen long lines at shopping centres, toilet paper is flying off the shelves and people panic buying canned foods, milk and more by the trolley load. But what message is this sending to our kids?

Act for Kids Chief Executive Officer Dr Katrina Lines says that while it’s important to be prepared, how you communicate and exhibit this to your children will have a big impact on how they feel about the three day hard lockdown.

“Children’s emotions feed off those of the adults around them, so you need to remain calm when talking about the coronavirus and isolation so that children don’t pick up on any anxieties you might be feeling,” Dr Lines says.

“It’s crucial for parents and carers to educate themselves on the coronavirus situation so they can give their children age-appropriate information, suitable to their developmental level”.

Dr Lines says adults need to try and keep perspective on this latest lockdown and not buy into others’ fearful behaviours, such as panic buying.

“We do not want to see physical altercations over toilet paper. This kind of overreaction tells our children that they having something to fear which is just not the case,” Dr Lines says.

Act for Kids is also reminding individuals to look out for their mental health during these exclusion periods.

We encourage conversations around any fear or anxiety they are experiencing. It’s also important to correct any misinformation and put things into perspective, the situation is just temporary.

For parents dealing with children in isolation, consider restricting access to the media surrounding the coronavirus and where possible, maintain normal routines and rituals such as bed times and daily tasks.

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For Interview Opportunities, Please contact Jess Mumme:

M: 0427 794 666

E: jess.mumme@actforkids.com.au