By Lauren Teegarden
Adults depend upon a 24-hour barrage of news. Television, radio, newspapers, or the internet act as a necessary link to the world for
adults, but many children find the process—and the adult reaction— both confusing and frightening.
Exposure.
Most adults don’t realize just how much exposure children get to the news, even if parents try to shelter them. According to Children Now research, 40% of children report watching television news and news magazine programs almost daily–and more than half of kids reported feeling angry, sad, or depressed after watching the news.
Confusing and frightening.
While the news can teach children many positive things about the world, at the same time it can confuse and frighten young children. Talking with kids about the stories and images they are exposed to is necessary for them to understand the world.
What is the best way to talk about the news with kids? Consider these suggestions:
1. Emphasize that news reports focus on the unusual and
extraordinary.
While the evening news never covers the thousands of plane flights that take-off and land safely each day, a crash will be headline news. Many young children do not understand that most news-worthy events are infrequent events.
2. Remember that the news often leaves out important details and background information.
The two-minute segments on TV news barely cover the basics, leaving little time to explore the background, context, or explanation of the event. Considering that the average newspaper article is just 400 words, many kids have not yet developed an adult’s “read between the lines” skills.
3. Watch or read the news with kids.
This way, you will know exactly what your grandchild is being exposed to. Preschool age children have a limited ability to discern the difference between reality and fantasy. Caution should be used when exposing them to any type of news.
Elementary school children are vulnerable to what news they see, hear, or read. While they understand the difference between fantasy and reality, they lack adult perspective on news events.
Adolescents have developed a greater media perspective, but constant exposure to news sources can lead to confusion and conflicting messages.
4. Discuss news events with kids.
The news allows a forum to discuss tough issues, as well as any anxieties that the child might have. Feel free to share your own feelings about the news as an opportunity to teach right vs. wrong.
5. Recognize the complexity of the news.
Kids will ask tough questions about our complex world, and its important that kids understand that even the most informed politician isn’t aware of all world happenings.
6. Monitor news stories.
Don’t be afraid to turn off the TV or switch channels if a news story is disturbingly graphic or contains a mature theme. Certainly there is nothing wrong with stating, “I really don’t want to watch this…let’s do something else.”
7. Utilize Kid-Friendly News Sources
Try these websites for news appropriate for younger children:
Time Magazine for Kids: www.timeforkids.com
Yahooligans! News : yahooligans.yahoo.com/content/news
National Geographic Kids News: news.nationalgeographic.com/kids.
Lauren Teegarden is a high school student. The above article is reproduced with her permission
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