Explaining News to Our Kids: Knowing how and when to talk – and when to listen – can help
Common Sense Media
Kids of all ages are getting news from a variety of places. Whether it's from friends, TikTok, YouTube, or home, they can be inundated with information, different perspectives, and even graphic images and videos of breaking news. Kids in elementary and middle school may have trouble fully understanding news events. And though older teens are better able to understand the gravity or complexity of situations, even they face challenges when it comes to sifting fact from opinion—or misinformation. News comes at a speed that can have a dramatic impact.
No matter how old your kids are, threatening or upsetting news can affect them emotionally. Many can feel worried, frightened, angry, or even guilty. And these anxious feelings can last as additional details are revealed and reported. So what can you do as a parent or caregiver to help your kids process all this information?
Addressing News and Current Events: How to Start
Consider your own reactions. Your kids will look to the way you handle the news to determine their own approach. If you stay calm and rational, it's likely they will, too. And if the news is affecting you to the point of not being able to console others, share and discuss everyone's feelings—including your own.
Get informed. Kids will have lots of questions. Prepare yourself with the latest reports from credible news sources so you can decide what to share and ways to share it. Not all kids will need the details, but they will be looking for reassurance. It will be easier to have a position, share your family's values, and discuss things with a potentially overwhelmed child once you've taken the time to gather accurate, up-to-date info and assess your child's needs.
Take action. Depending on the issue and kids' ages, families can find ways to help those affected by the news. And showing kids how they can support a cause is a positive way to ease their fears while getting involved. Families can attend meetings or protests; kids can help assemble care packages or raise money to donate to a rescue or humanitarian effort. Check out websites that help kids do good in the world.
Tips for kids age 7 and under
Keep the news away. Keep the news out of range of young eyes that can be frightened by the pictures and videos. Kids may respond strongly to images of other kids who are in danger. Remember that news comes through a variety of platforms and sources, from pop-up notifications on your phone to your kids' favorite YouTuber. Preschool kids don't need to see or hear about something that will only scare them silly, especially because they can easily confuse facts with fantasies or fears. MORE