Talking to Children When News is Scary

From foreign wars to violence in our own communities, television news and the internet are alive with images of terrible things happening in the world today — including tragic events involving children.

“There is no way for parents or caregivers to fully shield their children from these images,” says Chirayu Parikh, DO, attending psychiatrist in Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Child and Adolescent Program. “Kids are going to overhear things on the school bus or in class. People will share videos with them. They will see scary things happening to other children, and it can affect them.”

Dr. Parikh, who has presented on the effects of media violence on child/adolescent mental health, says parents should be prepared to talk about the news of the day, and they should always follow two key guidelines:

—Present information that is age appropriate. The same words and concepts for a 5-year-old will not be as useful for a teenager.
—Always be honest. Be as truthful and accurate as possible when sharing information with your child. Facts matter.

Children should be curious about the world yet becoming overly preoccupied with the news or social media can be problematic. Parents should be mindful of any changes in their children’s personalities. For example, are they:

• Withdrawing from friends or family?
• Feeling afraid to go to places that they used to go?
• Talking continually about something they saw on the news or Facebook?
• Having trouble sleeping?
• Experiencing symptoms such as headache or an upset stomach without an apparent cause?

Dr. Parikh offers a few ways to help children cope and process this information. “It is important that parents or caregivers comfort the child if the reassurance is based in truth. Their feelings need to be acknowledged and their concerns need to be validated. Reassure the child that they are safe.”

Dr. Parikh also suggests using a DVR or other technology to effectively record age-appropriate information and then watch it with the child. Use this opportunity as a platform to discuss what they are seeing and feeling. It’s also important to limit total screen time to less than two hours daily for children over age 5 (not including homework time) and encourage a variety of other interests including time outdoors, exercise, pleasure reading, and spending time with friends to keep their interests varied.

“It's also important to be a good listener and encourage your child to speak up when they are afraid and to know they have support and a safe space surrounding them,” comments Dr. Parikh.