The phrase "harsh reality" refers to a difficult or unpleasant truth about life or a situation. It means facing the truth, even if it is tough to accept. Full definition
Our innocence shifts at a certain point as we are exposed to the sometimes harsh realities of the world. (attachmentparenting.org)
One of those reasons is to give people a way to avoid dealing with harsh realities in life. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
It's natural to want to protect your child from harsh realities, but avoiding talking about the event will only increase your teenager's anxiety. (betterhealth.vic.gov.au)