Talking with your children about news

By Rachna Buxani, Counselling Services Coordinator, GEMS group of schools

Keeping up to date with the news can be very beneficial for children and probably one of the most important habits that parents try to inculcate in their wards.  However, the average news broadcast contains as much violence and action as many of the most popular entertainment shows on TV.  But unlike these shows, the news is real.  Used properly, the news can teach children many positive things about the world.  

At the same time, the daily news can perpetuate stereotypes, confuse, anger and even frighten children. 

As a parent it is your responsibility to decide what news is appropriate for your child. Research shows that children, especially those between the ages of 8 and 12, want their parents to talk with them about today's issues. Even when they reach adolescence, they want to have a caring adult in their lives to talk about these matters.

Children under age 6 have a limited ability to discern fantasy of an entertainment show from the reality of news.  Kids in this age range are likely to be scared of what they see on the news.  Use caution when you allow a pre-schooler to be exposed to the news without supervision.

Psychologically kids between the ages of 6 and 10 are most vulnerable to what they see on the news.  At this age the kids know the difference between fantasy and reality but lack perspective.  During this time it is absolutely essential to watch the news with your child.

Adolescents (age 11 and up) have a better understanding of fact and fiction and are expanding their own perspectives.  Their constant exposure to media and the news can lead to confusion and them having conflicting information.  As a parent of an adolescent, you cant monitor everything that your child is exposed to, but it is extremely important to check in with them about the media and other issues they are beginning to experience.  Following are some tips to help you talk to your kids about the news:

• Create an Open Dialogue.  The best way to check in with your child about the exposures that they are getting is by talking to them about what they see and hear. It is important that you talk with your kids openly and honestly. Use encouragement, support and positive reinforcement so your kids know that they can ask any question-on any topic-freely and without fear of consequence. Provide straightforward answers; otherwise, your child may make up her own explanations that can he more frightening than any honest response you could offer. If your child appears depressed, angry by what he or she saw on the news make sure you speak to him or her right away.
• Acknowledge Your Child’s Fears.  The fears that some news stories bring out in your children are very real.  That is why it is important to reassure children that there are people working to make sure their personal worlds remain safe. Let your kids know that just because they saw something on the news, it doesn’t mean it is going to happen to them too.  
• Explore The Facts With Your Child.  At times it may be necessary to provide your child with more factual information than what is provided on the news report.  This will give them greater perspective to the issues and help reduce their fears.
• Select Child-Friendly News Sources For Your Child.  There are some children television channels that report on issues that kids care about in a way they can understand.  There are also many websites and magazines dedicated to news for kids.

Raising a child is one of the most gratifying jobs you'll ever have and one of the toughest. Try as you might to be the best parent you can, our complex world challenges you every day with disturbing issues that are difficult for children to understand and for parents to explain. However, communication with your child and the perspective you provide helps promote a healthy growth for the minds of your children!!

Photo courtesy: buckscc.gov.uk

Rachna Buxani, with an M.Ed in School Counseling from Suffolk University in Boston and a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Youth from Eastern Connecticut State University, USA has specialised in Middle and High School Counseling. Rachna's expertise is in assessment and management of problems related to adolescence. She writes regularly on parenting issues on womenone.or, and answers to readers' queries related to it.

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