Protecting your kids in the world extends to the media. Read on for tips on how to reduce over-exposure to negative news events.
Staying informed is so important these days. However, the bombardment of negative news stories can be overwhelming and at times extremely distressing for all of us. It is virtually impossible to avoid hearing about the latest breaking news story. Many of us are informed by social media sites, continuous cable news channels, radio, or through news alerts on our phones. The headlines may include images and stories about natural disasters, wars, violence, and human suffering. As a parent or guardian, you may not realize how this is impacting your kids and teens. Often, they have been exposed to images of upsetting content and have viewed traumatic events. Children and teens listen to adult conversations and are attuned to the anxiety and or distress the adults in their lives may be experiencing.
Here are tips to help guide your family to limit or reduce the harmful impact of negative media:
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Turn it off. How much time are you viewing news coverage? Make a point to decrease media in your home.
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Prevent children from viewing disturbing content. Young children have difficulty making sense of graphic content, and they may misconstrue what occurred in the past and believe it is happening now.
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Use age appropriate language when discussing the news. Be aware of your child’s developmental age when discussing a news story. Give simple answers for younger children, with the primary focus on creating a sense of safety. For example, “You don’t need to worry about that at all. The adults are handling it. You are safe and should just focus on having fun!”
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Ask questions. When you do talk to your children about news events, be curious about what they might know or may have heard. Stick to the facts and clarify any misconceptions they may have.
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Teens need to be heard. For older children and teens give them the space to speak about what they have heard and be open to hear what they believe has happened. It is important to validate their feelings regarding their concerns or worries. It is also helpful to share your feelings and to model the healthy coping skills that work for you.
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Keep kids connected to community. Encourage children and teens to focus on what they love doing and how they can help others in your community. Bring awareness to what your family can do to help or support others. For example, suggest writing a thank you letter to emergency responders, participating in a food drive, or check-in with friends and family who you haven’t seen in a while.
If you or a family member are feeling overwhelmed by world events or tragic news stories it is always okay to ask for help. We are here for you at Well Being Therapy Center, so please reach out if you need to.
Here’s to Your Well Being!
Kelly Smith-Pampin, LCSW
Licensed Therapist
