The call was made last week by ChildLine following the publication of its report, I can't stop feeling sad - Calls to ChildLine about bereavement, which said children experienced feelings common to those of bereaved adults.
Just over four in ten (43 per cent) of callers rang to talk about the death of a parent, usually a mother. Some 31 per cent rang following a violent death, usually a car accident, though one had watched a death by suicide and had been unable to prevent it, and two had seen a murder.
Some children told the helpline they felt guilty and responsible for the death, while others said they felt angry and abandoned. Some described experiences of flashbacks and nightmares, common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
A 'significant percentage' of children under ten rang the helpline after the death of a much-loved pet. This was often a young child's first experience of death, the report said, and it quoted seven-year-old David, whose dog Harry had been knocked down by a car and he felt responsible because the dog ran away while he was walking him. David said, 'I go to visit his grave. Looking at pictures of him makes me sad. Mum says I can have a new dog but I don't want a new dog. I just want Harry back.'
ChildLine advised adults to give children the opportunity to talk freely about their feelings, and to answer any questions simply, sensitively and factually. It said they should have the chance to take part in the mourning process and to attend funerals.
ChildLine's chief executive, Carole Easton, said, 'We hope this report will raise awareness of the needs and sensitivities of every bereaved child, including those whose new circumstances have made them dangerously vulnerable and put them at risk.'