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"The news" – whether it is reported in newspapers and magazines, broadcast over the radio or television, or found on the Internet – is omnipresent in our lives today.
This is no less true for our kids, for whom exposure to news media might come from a variety of sources. Afternoon news broadcasts that follow a favorite kids’ show, headlines splashed across newspapers and tabloids at the supermarket, overheard discussions among adults or kids about current events – all these are sources of news for our kids, albeit of varying content and quality. As parents and educators, it is important to be aware that kids will be exposed to a variety of news sources and news stories, and that their understanding of the news might be influenced by their age, developmental level, and particular worries and fears. We can do a lot to help our kids become educated consumers of news media – and to increase their comfort with the topics covered in the news – by talking to kids about current events and the news on a regular basis.
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The following are a few tips and guidelines to help you talk with kids about the news.
Ask and listen. When your child asks about something related to the news, use open-ended questions to determine what he or she already knows or has heard about the topic. For example, if your child asks "What's a bombing?" you might respond by asking "What have you heard about a bombing?" or "What do you know about bombings already?" Listen carefully to what your child has to say.
Choose news programming carefully. Televised news programs often concentrate their coverage on crime and violence. The world, as depicted in these programs, can seem harsher and more violent than it really is, and sensational coverage of violence and crime could scare a child. Be aware, however, that not all news programs choose to cover the same stories, and that their perspective on the stories they do cover may differ widely. Explore the options available to you, including public television programs and television newsmagazines geared specifically to children, and find programs that are informative and provide a perspective on the news that you would like your children to see.
Watch the news with your child. Joining your child as he or she watches the news will enable you to interpret the news reporting seen by your child, and to filter stories that may be inappropriate. If the topic of a particular news show or segment seems to be inappropriate to your child's age or development, it is completely within your prerogative to turn off the TV.
Use simple explanations. When your child asks you questions about the news, only provide as much information as your child needs to know. It is often unnecessary to give overly detailed or explicit information. Provide simple, truthful, yet limited explanations and wait to see if your child needs more details.
Be aware that news stories and images may confuse children. In particular, coverage of violent events, natural disasters, or other calamities may cause some children to wonder, "Could that happen to me?" Young children might not understand that televised events may be taking place thousands of miles away and are not a threat to them and their safety. If children seem worried or stressed by events taking place on the news, reassure them of their safety at home and in your community. Placing news events in context can also help ñ for example you might explain that "Several groups of people have been fighting in Sri Lanka for a long time and that's why there was a bombing there. That's not going on here at home."
Discuss feelings. Vivid images and sensational news stories may bring up intense feelings for your child. Your child will have an easier time processing these feelings if you talk about your feelings as well, and allow your child space to share hers. For example, you could say "I feel sad that those people died in that train crash. I'm glad things like that don't happen often. How does it make you feel?"
Talk about what can be done to help. Talking about humanitarian efforts and other positive aspects of difficult situations in the country and the world can be a good way to move the focus of discussions away from the more disturbing elements of the news. You might solicit your child's ideas for what could be done to help the people shown on the news, or help your child research aid groups active in a region.
Be open to your child's opinions. You may not agree with your child's ideas, but try to listen to them openly and without judgment. Early encouragement can help your child form his or her own opinions in the future.
For an in-depth guide to this topic, including discussion starters, age-by-age insights, and more resources for talking about the news with your children, see the PBS Parents Guide to Talking about the News.
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