# How to talk to kids about David Walliams allegations

> Experts guide parents on explaining David Walliams' troubling allegations to children without causing fear.
- Title: How to talk to kids about David Walliams allegations
- Summary: Experts guide parents on explaining David Walliams' troubling allegations to children without causing fear.
- Keywords: david walliams, allegations, children, consent, boundaries, age-appropriate, experts, MadeForMums
- Source: MadeForMums — https://madeformums.com/features/how-to-talk-to-children-about-david-walliams
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: david walliams, allegations, children, consent, boundaries, age-appropriate, experts
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Parents should explain David Walliams' allegations to children age-appropriately, emphasizing consent and boundaries without graphic details.