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More: Talking with Kids About Television
Talking
with Kids about the News
Table
of Contents
Why
is it important to talk with your kids about what they see on
the news? As adults, we depend on "The
News" as our primary source for information about the world
we live in. Whether it's the local newspaper, nightly TV newscasts,
cable news networks, news radio, or Web sites, graphic footage
and accounts of the latest happenings in the world are being delivered
right into our homes 24 hours a day. This constant barrage can
be overwhelming for adults, but it can be especially confusing
and frightening for young children.
 Many adults
do not realize how many kids actually watch TV news or read the
newspaper. In addition, consider the opportunities kids have to
be exposed to the news. Maybe you listen to news radio in the
morning while you drive the kids to school. Perhaps you read the
newspaper at the breakfast table. Remember, while you're reading
an article on page seven, your kids may be staring at the front
page headlines. You might watch the evening news while helping
your kids with their homework. Or they may be exposed to a "newsflash"
during their favorite sit-com. Even if you avoid exposing your
kids to the news, they still get the latest news accounts from
their peers.
It's no wonder
the news can be enticing to children. The average news broadcast
contains as much violence, sex and action as many of the most
popular entertainment shows on TV. But unlike those shows, the
news is real. News shows can show or say things that might be
too graphic or intense for entertainment programs. During the
recent White House scandal for example, the phrase "oral
sex" was commonplace throughout the news media.
 As a parent,
only you can decide what news is appropriate for your children.
Used properly, the news can teach children many positive things
about the world. Knowledge and understanding of news events can
teach kids a sense of belonging and social responsibility. Most
elementary school teachers require kids to follow certain news
stories for weekly current events lessons. Additionally, many
literacy programs encourage parents and kids to read the newspaper
together to develop language skills and healthy reading habits.
At the same
time, the daily news can perpetuate stereotypes, confuse, anger
and even frighten children. By talking with our kids early and
often about the stories and images they are exposed to by the
news and other media, we can help them better understand the world
around them. This communication can be especially valuable when
kids are exposed to tough issues like violence, sex, drugs and
alcohol, death and divorce.
For more
information on how watching the news makes kids feel, visit www.childrennow.org/media/mc94/news.html,
www.childrennow.org/media/nativeam/report.html
and www.childrennow.org/media/mc98/DiffWorld.html.
How
do we talk with our kids about the news?
[ return to top ]
The first
step is understanding how the news works. It is important to keep
these things in mind when talking with your kids about what they
see on the news:
- News reports
focus on the unusual. While this might seem obvious to adults,
it can be difficult for children to understand. Seldom will
you see a news story focused on the thousands of airplanes that
take off and land safely on any given day. However, it becomes
headline news when out of those many safe flights, one is involved
in a plane crash. Often news coverage of particular issues is
disproportionate to their occurrences in real life. For example,
news coverage of crime has increased in recent years, even though
the total crime rate has decreased significantly.
- The news
often reports only the simple facts of a story. Who? What? When?
Where? Why? How? These are the six questions journalists try
to answer in even the briefest news report. This leaves very
little time to add background, context, or explanation to complex
news. In fact a typical broadcast news story is only 30 seconds
long. Even though newspapers can provide more contextual information
than TV news, the average print report is only 400 words. The
result is our kids only hear who's killing whom with little
or no explanation of why those countries are at war.
To help you
get started, Talking with Kids has compiled the following
list of tips to help you talk with your kids about the news. For
tips on how to talk with your kids about other tough issues, visit
www.talkingwithkids.org/first.html.
For more information on the news media's portrayal of children,
visit www.childrennow.org/media/picture/report.html.
10 TIPS For Talking
with Kids about the News
1.
Explore the age appropriateness of the news you allow your children
to see. [ return
to top ]
Whether and
how kids should consume the news really depends on the child and
how that news is presented. As parents, we all sense that kids
today are growing up too fast. The simple truth is that they have
access to much more information than previous generations. To
help you decide what's right for your child, Talking with Kids
describes three different age groups and possible effects of their
exposure to news. Keep in mind these generalizations may not be
true for all children.
Preschool
age (under age six) kids have a limited ability to discern the
fantasy of an entertainment show from the reality of news. In
most cases they don't really see a difference between a car wreck
on TV news and a car wreck in the movies. At the same time, kids
in this age range are as likely to be afraid of what they see
on the news as they are of dragons, or other fictional worries.
Most experts do warn, however, that prolonged exposure to news
and other media can lead to the "desensitization" kids.
That is, commonplace crime and violence seen in the news and other
media can work to reduce the emotional response of even the most
shocking images among viewers. Parents should use caution when
allowing preschool children to be exposed to all types of media.
Talking with Kids strongly cautions against allowing your preschooler
to watch the news without your supervision.
Psychologically,
kids between the ages of six and ten are most vulnerable to what
they see on the news. They know the difference between fantasy
and reality, but they lack perspective. Instead of worrying about
monsters under the bed, they tend to worry about real dangers
like kidnapping, car wrecks and tornadoes. During this time, it
is most important to watch the news and other media with your
child. If you find these things especially disturb him, consider
turning the news off.
Remember
that children will not understand the frequency with which events
occur. If they hear about break-ins, injury, and murder in their
area (even if the area is a large one that contains millions of
people), the fact that the event was important enough to be covered
will lead them to believe that these are very common events. Help
children develop a realistic sense of danger and limit their exposure
to gruesome reviews of crime and injury.
Adolescents
(age 11 and up) have grown to be much more media savvy. They have
a better understanding of fact and fiction and are expanding their
own perspective on a daily basis. But their constant exposure
to media and peers can lead to conflicting information and confusion.
As the parent of an adolescent, you can't be there to monitor
everything your child is exposed to, but it is extremely important
to check in with her about the media and other issues she is beginning
to experience.
2.
Watch or read the news with your kids.
[ return to top ]
A great way
to alleviate the fear and confusion of the news is to share the
experience with your child. By reading the newspaper together
in the morning or watching a nightly news broadcast with your
child, you will be able to know exactly what they are being exposed
to and can talk with them about it. If you see something that
may be upsetting to your child, don't be afraid to strike up a
conversation on the subject. For younger children, you may also
consider setting rules against watching the news when you aren't
around.
3.
Create an open dialogue. [ return to top ]
The best
way to make sure kids know they are safe, is to talk with them
about what they see and hear. If your child is worried about the
country going to war, talk with him about the chances of that
happening and what it would mean for his safety. Additionally,
let your children know not to be ashamed or afraid to talk with
you whenever they see something they don't understand.
Use the news
as an opportunity to discuss tough issues with your kids. We know
it is important to talk with our kids about tough issues, but
there isn't always enough time in the day to sit down for a long
talk. Also, kids tend to resist formal discussions, often thinking
they are in for another lecture from mom or dad. But if we use
"talk opportunities," moments that arise in everyday
life, our kids are less likely to tune us out. For instance, a
newspaper item about a child expelled from school for a carrying
a gun to class can help you start a discussion on guns and violence.
4.
Share your feelings about the news you see.
[ return to top ]
As a parent,
you have the opportunity to be the first person to instill in
your child your sense of values and moral principles. The "just-the-facts"
explanations of a news report may leave a child confused about
right and wrong. Remember, research shows that children want and
need moral guidance from their parents. Try starting off a conversation
with something like "That news report about gun violence
bothers me, because I don't believe guns should be kept were kids
can reach them."
5.
Let your kids know the difference between news and reality.
[ return to top ]
Is the news
real? If you mean did the reported story actually happen somewhere
in the world, yes the news is completely real. But the news media
can lead people to believe that the stories reported are closer
to home, or that they happen more often than they do in real life.
Violence in schools is an example of a prevalent story in the
news. So prominent in fact, that adults and kids alike are afraid
that violence is sure to happen in their schools. The reality,
however, reveals that there is less than a one in two million
chance that a child will be injured during a violent outbreak
at school. Make sure your kids know that just because they saw
it on the news, it doesn't mean it is likely to happen to them.
6.
Acknowledge your child's fears. [
return to top ]
Even though
many of the stories reported in the news may not really happen
to you or your child, the fear these stories can bring out is
very real. That's why it is important to reassure a child that
there are people working to make sure her personal world will
remain safe. Try saying something like this to your six to ten-year-old:
"I know you feel a little scared by what you saw on the news,
but you'll be fine. I am here to protect and take care of you."
An older child might be comforted by a few additional details:
"Dad and I aren't the only ones watching over you. Adults
in the community like neighbors, the police and teachers are all
looking out for your safety."
7.
Explore the facts with your child. [
return to top ]
At times
it may be necessary to provide your child with more factual information
than is provided in a news report. For example, a news report
on the increasing number of people with HIV/AIDS may mean additional
facts are needed to properly explain the disease to your child.
Research the facts with your child about how the disease is transmitted
and what can be done to prevent it. Make sure you look at safety
and prevention measures when researching topics.
8.
Acknowledge the complexity of the news.
[ return to top ]
Even the
most informed parent is sure to have difficulties explaining why
people fight wars, or why politicians don't always tell the truth.
Even when we can explain them, our children might not understand.
It's important that as parents we let our kids know that the news
and the world are very complex, and that greater perspective will
come with age and continued communication.
9.
Select kid-friendly news sources for your child.
[ return to top ]
All news
is not created equal. Take care to select good news sources for
your kids. Generally speaking, TV news, especially local news
shows, tend to focus on issues like crime and violence. Newspapers
are often seen as a better source to get more in-depth news coverage
with background and context. Network news usually focuses less
on crime and violence than local news. However, there are local
news stations committed to presenting "family friendly"
newscasts with more responsible reporting. Look for these stations
in your area. Also keep in mind that there are news sources created
just for kids. Nick News on the children's network Nickelodeon
is an example of a program designed to report on issues that kids
care about in a way they can understand. There are also many Web
sites and magazines dedicated to news for kids. For adolescents,
consider subscribing to magazines that focus on news and issues
important to your child. View our list of
resources below.
10.
Balance your child's news diet. [
return to top ]
Few parents
would allow a child to fill up on an all-chocolate food diet.
Thinking about your child's exposure to the news in the same terms
can be helpful. It's important to make sure kids have a balanced
news diet. The best way to achieve this is to know your child's
news environment, that is when, where and what kind of news your
child is exposed to. Is your daughter listening to news radio
while you drive her to school in the morning, or is she watching
crime scene footage on TV news shows that follow her favorite
afternoon cartoon?
Whatever
the case, balance your child's news diet by setting clear limits.
Make it known to your son that he can only watch the news when
you are in the room to watch with him, or limit him to only news
sources that are less violence-oriented, like network newscasts.
Experience the news with your child, and balance his news diet
by talking with him about what he sees.
The same
way a nutritious diet, rich with plenty of fruits and vegetables,
helps promote healthy growth for kids' bodies, a balanced news
diet, rich in communication and the perspective parents provide,
promotes growth for their minds.
Now that
you are a news expert, here are specific tips for talking with
your kids about common news topics.
Some
Common & Troubling News Topics
Crime
and Violence [ return
to top ]
 Stories
of crime and violence dominate news coverage. Whether it is outbreaks
of schoolyard violence, stories of war from across the world or
grizzly crime scene footage, this type of news can be frightening
to kids and leave them questioning their own safety. The best
way to let kids know they will be OK is to encourage discussion.
Make sure your kids understand that just because they see a news
report about crime or violence, it doesn't mean they are likely
to become victims.
News stories
of crime and violence are an excellent opportunity to initiate
a conversation on the real life consequences of guns and violence.
Unlike in the movies, victims from real life violence don't get
up after the cameras stop rolling. Don't hesitate to share your
feelings on the subject. Remember your kids are looking to you
to help them figure out the difference between right and wrong.
Try looking up additional facts about a violence story to help
explain consequences to your child.
Stories of
kids as victims can be the most disturbing for children. Kidnappings
and school shootings reported on the news leave kids feeling especially
vulnerable. That is why it is so important to monitor the news
your kids are exposed to. If you see your child is visibly upset,
try talking with him. Reassure him of all the people working to
make sure he is safe. Let him know what he can do to be safe and
to prevent from becoming a victim. If your child still seems unduly
upset or withdrawn, consider limiting his exposure to the news.
Turn off the news, or try finding another news source. Remember,
network news and newspapers focus much less on crime and violence
than local TV news.
For more
information on talking with your kids about violence, visit http://talkingwithkids.org/violence.html.
For more information on crime prevention, visit www.ncpc.org.
For more
information on the news media's portrayal of children, visit www.childrennow.org/media/picture/report.html.
Sex [ return to top ]
From political
scandal to Viagra, the topic of sex is all over the news. If the
nightly news discussions of oval office sex and stained blue dresses
left you wanting to cover your child's ears, you weren't alone.
The truth is the news can tell stories in much more graphic detail
than other media kids are exposed to. But don't miss out on the
opportunity to talk with your child about sex. Remember, kids
who feel they can talk with their parents about sex—because
their moms and dads speak openly and listen carefully to them—are
less likely to engage in risky behaviors as teens than kids who
feel they can't talk about sex with their parents. An uncomfortable
news moment could lead to a great discussion about puberty, peer
pressure or even love. Make sure you share your values about sex
with your child.
We know that
talking with kids about sex can be very uncomfortable, but the
more you examine the subject, the more confident you'll feel discussing
it. For more information on talking with your kids about sex,
visit www.talkingwithkids.org/sex.html.
Drugs [ return to top ]
The issue
of drugs can be very confusing to children. This confusion can
be exaggerated by news reports of drug usage increasing among
younger kids, or of a young girl being expelled for bringing Midol
to school. It is up to you as parent to use these opportunities
to explain the difference between legal and illegal drugs to your
child. Establish clear family rules about illegal drugs. Most
importantly, explain to her what to do if someone offers drugs
to her.
For more
information on talking with your kids about drugs visit http://talkingwithkids.org/drugs.html.
Race [ return to top ]
 The news
has always been a public forum for debates about race. Even when
the news isn't specifically focused on the topic of race, it can
send important messages about different cultures. Kids have a
way of picking up on these subtle cues from the media. Kids can
get their first glimpses of stereotypes from the news and other
media. Is your child seeing that certain races are mostly seen
as poor, or involved in crime, while others are always experts
or professionals? Talk with your kids about race, especially when
you see generalizations and stereotypes. Look to balance what
your child sees in the news with a dose of reality. If your son
says he sees a particular race being arrested on the news all
the time, explain to him that even though those particular people
may have committed crimes, that doesn't mean their particular
race should be associated with crime. The truth is crimes are
committed by people of all different colors and the news tends
to report on crimes disproportionately by race.
A good way
to start a conversation on race is by talking with your child
about what respect means and how to be respectful of all people
regardless of race, religion, age or any other characteristic.
Make sure your child knows not to limit herself based on what
she thinks people feel about her race or background.
For more
information on talking with your kids about race, diversity and
tolerance, visit www.tolerance.org.
For more
information on the news media's portrayal of children, visit www.childrennow.org/media/picture/report.html.
For more
information on how kids feel about the news, visit www.childrennow.org/media/mc94/news.html,
www.childrennow.org/media/nativeam/report.html
and www.childrennow.org/media/mc98/DiffWorld.html.
Accidents/Disasters [ return to top ]
An earthquake
in India, plane crash in Tokyo, or hurricane thousands of miles
away can seem so close to home when it is reported on the news.
Let your child know the facts about these types of disasters.
Millions of people got on airplanes today and arrived safely to
where they were going. Occasionally very few people get hurt,
even killed, when a plane crashes. Simply because we see these
thing on the news, doesn't make it any more likely they will happen
to us. You may even want to talk with your child about the many
people who are working to help those affected by disasters.
Even when
the disaster happens closer to home, talk with your child about
what she can do to make sure she stays safe. While we may not
be able to predict or control these disasters, there are things
we can do. If you live in a tornado region or earthquake area,
make sure you go over safety procedures as a family. Come up with
a plan on what you will do in an emergency.
For more
information on safety and prevention from accidents, visit www.safekids.org.
Sickness,
Disease and Death [ return
to top ]
Stories of
Meningitis, Ebola viruses, Ecoli Bacteria, Africanized Killer
Bees and HIV are all over the news. Such news of sickness and
disease can be very frightening for your child. While the reality
is these types of reports focus on very dangerous issues, they
probably have very little consequence for your child. Let your
child know the realities of these diseases and how to avoid risk
factors. This may take additional research, but if you are able
to relieve your child's anxiety, it will be worth it. For more
information on sicknesses and diseases, visit www.cdc.gov.
Because HIV/AIDS
is so prominent in our society, it deserves special mention. Research
shows that as many as 93% of children have already heard about
AIDS by the third grade. Even though they hear about it at school,
on the news, or in the media, what they learn is often inaccurate
and frightening. Using a news report to initiate a conversation
about HIV/AIDS is a great way to find out what your child already
knows about the disease and gauge how much this topic frightens
them. Above all, make sure your kids understand the facts of how
you get AIDS and how you don't. You may need to research this
information for yourself. Be prepared to talk about sex when you
talk about HIV/AIDS. Don't shy away from conversations about death
either. For more information on talking with your kids about HIV/AIDS,
visit http://www.talkingwithkids.org/aids.html.
Conversations
with kids about death can be extremely difficult, but they are
so important. Helping children understand death may arm them with
the skills they need to cope and grieve effectively when someone
they love dies. Finding the right words to describe death to a
young child can be challenging. Explaining the physical aspects
of death can be done by simply saying "his body was so injured
or so full of disease that it quit working. The doctors tried
the best they could to fix him, but they just couldn't."
Explaining the spiritual side of death depends on your religious
beliefs and can be explained to children accordingly.
Children
need to be assured that death is not the end—that love never
dies. Just because the person is no longer living, doesn't mean
we don't still love them.
Divorce [ return to top ]
Whether it
is the latest breakup of a Hollywood couple or reports of skyrocketing
statistics, divorce is a common news item. These stories are scary
to children, not so much for what they say about the Hollywood
couple, but rather what it might mean for mom and dad. With the
divorce rate at 50%, it may be difficult to convince your child
that he has nothing to fear, but you could alleviate some of his
fears by talking with him and sharing some simple facts. Even
though some couples who argue do end up getting a divorce, it
doesn't mean that every time mom and dad argue they are thinking
about getting divorced. Above all, make sure your kids understand
that when two people divorce each other, they aren't divorcing
their children. Let your children know that when divorces happen,
both parents still love and will continue to care for their kids.
If you want more information on talking with your kids about divorce,
visit the parenting section of family.com at http://family.go.com.
Resources [ return to top ]
Good News Sources
for Kids
TV
News for Kids
Online
News for Kids
News
Magazines for Kids
Footnotes
1. "Boys
To Men: Entertainment Media Messages About Masculinity,"
Children Now, 1999.
2. "Tuned
In or Tuned Out? America's Children Speak Out on the News Media,"
Children Now, 1993.
3. "Off Balance: Youth, Race & Crime in the News,"
Berkeley Media Studies Group and the Justice Policy Institute, April
2001.
4. Ibid.
5. "Off Balance: Youth, Race & Crime in the News,"
Berkeley Media Studies Group and the Justice Policy Institute, April
2001, and What's the Matter With Kids Today?" Media Monitor,
Volume XIV, Number 5, September/October 2000.
6. "What's the Matter With Kids Today?" Media Monitor,
Volume XIV, Number 5, September/October 2000.
7. "The
News Media's Picture of Children: A Five Year Update,"
Children Now, 1999.
8. Ibid.
9. "A
Different World: Children's Perceptions of Race and Class in the
Media," Children Now, 1998.
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid.
More:
Talking with Kids About Television
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