TV Guide for Children

As a parent, you want your children to be aware of the world around them, and probably encourage them to stay up-to-date on current events.  But how much real-world news is appropriate for kids? 

 

“Children today have access to violent and disturbing images on a daily basis.  These images are not only in video games and movies, but even news programs,” says Michelle Trenton, MS, LPC, LMFT, therapist with Samaritan Counseling Center.  “Scenes of shootings in malls and schools, murder suicides, natural disasters and coverage of the war are among the many events brought into our living rooms, often as they are happening.  Adults are often shocked by the images we see – imagine how children are impacted.”

 

Trenton adds that adults struggle to understand how and why such tragedies happen, often discussing them around the coffee pot at work.  Children may be discussing the same topics at school with their friends.  “Many parents think kids tune out the news.  This isn’t necessarily the case, and even if your child is unaware, they may get a version of it from a friend at recess the next day at school.   These stories may be unsettling, and when repeated by children to children, because key facts are often distorted or left out.”

 

That is why parents need to have an open dialogue about the news with their children. “Talking to your children is the only way you can be aware of how the news of the day is impacting your children, and even more importantly,” Trenton explained, “it’s the only way you can help them try to understand the actual events.”

 

Trenton says being proactive is the first step.  “Know what your children are watching. News is for adults.  Violent news stories can negatively impact children. While these stories can be riveting for adults, young people may be disturbed.  Much of the news broadcast is not appropriate for children under eight, and if older children watch the news, it should be done with the parents.  You should also consider the demeanor of your child.  If your child tends to be anxious or easily upset, then you as a parent may want to bring up a news event that might provoke anxiety before a friend does.”

 

“It’s important to explain violent events in words a child can understand. Parents should also acknowledge the frightening parts when talking with a child about them,” says Trenton. “Admit concerns, and stress the ability to cope with any event.”

 

Trenton offers other suggestions for helping children cope with violent news stories.

  • Stay calm. Expressing your horror in front of your children may cause them to overreact.  Remain in control of your emotions as much as possible.
  • Share your feelings to help open up the discussion.
  • Ask what your child understands about these events. This gives them an opportunity to express feelings.
  • Let them know that you, their teachers and other adults like police officers and firefighters are there to protect them.
  • Reassure them. Help them feel safe and think positively about the future.

“Keep in mind that these events can evoke a variety of emotions,” says Trenton.  “A family discussion can help children learn that what they are feeling is normal.  Your role is to help them deal with their feelings in a positive manner.  A family can pray, discuss and even write letters of condolence to victims and their families.”

 

Trenton adds that parents need to understand it’s not just violent events in the news that impact young people. News stories often feature the inappropriate behavior of celebrities, such as Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan.

 

Anyone can achieve media attention for bad behavior, and it’s important that children understand this. “The behavior of some young celebrities sends a bad message to young people. An actor who portrays a wholesome character may engage in very unwholesome activities.  Children may see the news story about the behavior as a reward for that behavior,” says Trenton.  “When celebrities behave badly, they get attention in the media, and many children perceive that as a positive thing.  Parents need to serve as the filter, helping their children put the behaviors and the consequences in the correct categories.”


Samaritan Counseling Center provides counseling services on a sliding scale fee.  For more information call 433-4357 or visit www.samaritanswla.org.



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