TLC for Kids Knowledge Hub
Children experience medical environments very differently from adults. What may appear routine to a clinician can feel unfamiliar and intimidating to a young patient.
Children experience medical environments very differently from adults. What may appear routine to a clinician can feel unfamiliar and intimidating to a young patient.
Positive distraction works by redirecting attention away from the source of anxiety and towards something engaging. When the brain becomes absorbed in a new stimulus, the intensity of the original stress response often decreases.
In paediatric care, distraction techniques are frequently used during vaccinations, blood tests and minor treatments to create a calmer environment and give children a sense of control during procedures.
Institutions such as the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne recognise distraction techniques as an effective way to reduce procedural distress. Tap 2 Distract translates this well established approach into a simple digital tool that can be used almost anywhere, providing an immediate way to interrupt escalating anxiety and replace it with curiosity and calm.
Tap 2 Distract is available free to healthcare professionals and requires no special training or setup. QR code decals and posters can be displayed in clinical settings, allowing families and staff to access the app instantly when it is needed most.
Tap 2 Distract sits alongside other TLC for Kids programs including the Distraction Box and Rapid TLC, all designed to support children during emotionally challenging healthcare moments.
Tap 2 Distract is free and available to anyone who may need it. Parents, healthcare professionals, teachers and caregivers can download the app and use it to support children during stressful or emotionally challenging moments.
Because when a child is frightened, even a small moment of distraction can make a meaningful difference.
Tap 2 Distract is a free TLC for Kids app that provides guided breathing, positive distraction and emotional regulation activities for children, families and people of all ages.
It can be used in hospitals, clinics, waiting rooms, schools, workplaces, while travelling or at home whenever someone needs a simple activity to pause, refocus or feel calmer.
Distraction redirects a child’s attention towards something engaging or calming. This may reduce anxious thinking and make the experience feel more manageable.
Yes. Tap 2 Distract is free to download and use, with no login, subscriptions or advertisements.
Tap 2 Distract is designed to provide simple moments of calm and positive distraction. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you or someone you know needs support, help is available through services such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
Help provide these moments of calm and support to more children and families. Donate here
Medical procedures such as injections, blood tests, scans and hospital treatments can be frightening for children.
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Distraction Activities for Children During Medical Procedures
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Medical procedures can be stressful for children. Even short experiences such as vaccinations, blood tests, or scans can create fear or uncertainty.
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