So, its happened, DS 7 overheard something very unpleasant in the news and keeps asking about it, wwyd?

[staydazzling]

Im so annoyed with myself, i usually make a point of not watching the news infront of the kids, i think they days where u could really do that are over, smaller tvs, less graphic disturbing descriptions. But other week between programmes the Shiregreen Murderers sentences were being discussed in a snippet between programmes, i didn't think he was paying any attention but picked up on a few details and keeps asking me why any parent would do that etc and are they going to hell, not sure how best to handle it?

I’d be calm & factual. Explain that some people are very bad and some people are ill which makes them act bad. Say it’s very very rare but it does happen and the police catch them and either send them to prison where they can’t hurt anyone else, or they send them to hospital to help them with their illness.
And leave it there.

Yes, I think that's a good approach. You don't need to go into detail and you should let him know it's rare and people get caught, as that's most likely what he needs reassurance about.

Don't not say anything as children's minds are fertile and he may be blowing this up in his head unbeknownst to you. As others have said, explain there are bad people in the world or those who are mentally very unstable which can make them do bad things. 7 is an age when children start to become aware that the world is a bit scary. We shouldn't be pretending all is rosy but need to explain stuff in an appropriate way to allay fears.

ive explained aswell that the other 4 children have been saved and taken to safe people. of all the bloody ones to overhear, he keeps asking me why a parent would do that. I keep saying some people are very evil, not all parents are good thats why their in prison.

i also added, dunno if true or not that theyll never be coming out it seemed to comfort him. i totally agree just saying nothing would be worse and he'd feel. confused and more scared feeling he couldn't talk to me.