SOUTHAMPTON parents are the least comfortable talking to their children about death and dying in UK, according to new research

Over a quarter of Southampton parents (28 per cent) say they are either very uncomfortable (15 per cent) or ‘quite uncomfortable’ (13 per cent).

The national average is just 14 per cent.

The most common reasons for avoiding the subject with youngsters is not wanting to upset or frighten them.

This week is Dying Matters Awareness Week which encourages people to talk about death.

The research was carried out by the Ruth Strauss Foundation which helps parents have open and honest conversations with their children surrounding grief, death and dying.

More than two thirds of parents (68 per cent) in the UK are comfortable talking to their child about death and dying.

Covid-19 has made an impact on attitudes with the majority of Brits now more ready to discuss this traditionally taboo subject.

Over half (55 per cent) of people surveyed say they are either ‘a lot’ (17 per cent) or ‘a bit’ (37 per cent) more open and willing to talk about death and dying generally, because of the pandemic.