How to talk to kids about David Walliams allegations

David Walliams allegations

David Walliams, a bestselling children's author, faces accusations of grooming teenage fans as young as 15 and sexual harassment in the workplace.

“I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me.”

Should you tell children about the allegations?

If your child hasn't heard about the allegations, you don't need to introduce them immediately to avoid confusion.

Gentle starting point

Ask your child: 'Have you heard anything about David Walliams in the news?' to understand their knowledge before explaining.

Dr Jemma Anderson's advice

Dr Jemma Anderson, a chartered educational psychologist, says parents don't need to introduce every difficult news story but can open conversations when children are likely to hear about it elsewhere.

Age-appropriate explanations

For younger children, focus on understanding that adults can disagree and they can always ask questions if something worries them.

Ages 5, 8: Keep it simple

Younger children may recognize Walliams as the person behind their favorite stories without understanding why adults are discussing him.

Ages 9, 12: Explain allegations

Older children may understand inappropriate behavior; explain that an allegation means someone has said something happened but it doesn't mean it's proven.

Ages 13+: Talk about consent

Teenagers may have encountered detailed coverage; discuss consent, personal boundaries, and power imbalances without linking to specific allegations.

Is David Walliams a bad person?

Children may feel confused about how someone they love could be involved in serious allegations; acknowledge their confusion without dismissing feelings.

Should you stop reading his books?

Some families may put books away temporarily or explore other authors, but avoid making children feel they approved of Walliams' alleged behavior.

Teach boundaries through conversation

Use the conversation to discuss consent, personal boundaries, and speaking up when something feels wrong without linking to specific allegations.

What if your child is upset?

If your child seems worried, ask what's troubling them and listen without rushing to reassure or give more information than needed.

You don't need all the answers

Parents don't need to explain every detail, make immediate decisions about books, or tell children exactly how to feel.

Key takeaway

Help children understand the difference between allegations and proven facts, listen to their questions, and remind them they can always come to you when something worries them.