Talking with Children About Craig Silvey in the News: A Parent’s Guide
Helping your child (from primary years through teens) understand what’s happening, safely and with care
You may have heard some concerning news in Australia recently about award‑winning author Craig Silvey, whose books, such as Jasper Jones and Runt, have been widely read, studied, and even adapted to film.
Here’s what’s happened, and how you can have calm, age‑appropriate conversations with your children and teens.
What’s Happened (In Plain Words)
- Craig Silvey, a well‑known Australian author based in Western Australia, has been charged with serious child exploitation material offences, meaning police allege he possessed and shared illegal material involving children.
- Because of these charges, education authorities in Western Australia and Victoria have removed his books from school reading lists and the 2026 curriculum.
- Major bookstores and publishers have paused promotion and, in some cases, removed his books from sale while legal processes play out.
Importantly, at this time Silvey has been charged but not convicted — so legally he is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Which Books Are Being Removed?
Some of Craig Silvey’s most popular books, many studied in schools, include:
📚 Jasper Jones: a modern Australian classic read widely by secondary students.
📚 Runt: a novel for younger readers that has also been adapted into a film.
📚 Honeybee: another novel by Silvey, with themes appropriate to older teens.
📚 Rhubarb, The Amber Amulet, and Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping are other titles by Silvey.
Schools in WA have stopped using these texts in their official curriculum for 2026, particularly Jasper Jones and Runt, which were part of English programs.
Why This Can Be Difficult for Kids
For many students, especially older ones who have read Jasper Jones or Runt, this news may be confusing.
Some key feelings kids might have:
Disappointment about losing a book they enjoyed in class.
Confusion about why a book is being taken out of the curriculum.
Concern about hearing terms like “child exploitation” or “charges”.
Your calm, clear reassurance will help more than anything else.
How to Talk to Primary School Children
With younger children, keep it simple and reassuring:
Use calm language.
Avoid details about the allegations. Simply say:
“Some books that schools were going to use are being taken out of the curriculum for now. Grown‑ups are dealing with that.”
Focus on their feelings:
“How do you feel about that?”
“Did you enjoy reading Runt?”
Explain safety in their world:
“Sometimes we change what we read at school when adults think it’s best for kids right now.”
There’s no need to go into specifics about crimes or legal charges with primary‑aged children, but for some children, especially if they hear the term ‘Child Exploitation Material’, may need more information. You know your child best.
What to say:
“Sometimes you might hear people talk or hear news stories about something called child exploitation material. That means pictures or videos of children that show private things, like someone seeing or showing parts of their body that are private. That’s never okay.”
“It’s not something kids should see. If anyone ever shows you something that makes you feel uncomfortable, weird or yuck, come and tell me straight away. You’ll never be in trouble for telling me. If you don’t want to talk with me, you have other people on your Safety Team, or remember there is the Kids Helpline too.”
Key ideas to use:
- “Your body is private and belongs to you.”
- “Safe adults never ask kids to take off clothes for photos or videos.”
- “If it feels yuck, uncomfortable or confusing, it’s your Early Warning Signs, and you can tell a grown-up you trust.”
How to Talk to Teens (Ages ~12 upwards)
Older students are likely to have more questions:
Be honest and clear.
“The author of some books you might have read has been charged with serious offences involving children, called ‘child exploitation material’, and schools have decided to remove his books from the curriculum while it’s dealt with.”
“Anybody can be charged with something serious, but schools are acting carefully to protect students.”
What to say:
“I want to talk to you about child exploitation material. It’s a legal term that means photos or videos of children under 18 being shown in a sexual way, and it’s a crime. These images involve real harm, and even having or sharing them, even by accident, is very serious.”
“If you ever come across anything like this, tell me straight away. I won’t be angry. I’ll help. You can tell me anything, but if you feel you don’t want to speak with me, you have other people on your Safety Team, and remember, there is always the Kids Helpline”
Key reminders:
- “Even if it looks like someone agreed to it, it’s still illegal if they’re under 18.”
- “Never forward or share anything, even as a joke.”
- “You’re not alone. Come talk to me if you’re ever unsure.”
Helpful Phrases to Use Anytime:
- “You can talk to me about anything, even tricky stuff.”
- “Your safety matters more than anything.”
- “If someone tries to show you something unsafe, you can always say NO and walk away and speak with someone you trust.”
- Nothing you’ll ever tell me will stop me loving you.
See, this is an opportunity to reinforce “You can talk with me about anything”, model respectful communication, and guide your children in understanding complex situations with empathy and clarity.
Warm regards
Holly-ann Martin OAM
Managing Director
Safe4Kids
