Dealing With Violent News

When kids see something violent in the news it is more scary than any other violent program on TV. Parents can help their children understand that not everything in the news can put them in danger by teaching them how the news  industry works and what the facts are.

 
                                                           
                                                                          [image source] www.alexanderkort.goedbegin.nl/


Parents should:
-    discuss scary and disturbing news events with children
-    don’t assume they haven’t heard about a disturbing news event – ask first and, if they have, discuss it
-    reassure children by giving them the facts (for example, explain that terrorist threats are very real in certain places, but not in their community)                                                        
-    understand why news frightens children at different ages
-    help them understand that plane crashes car accidents and fires are very rare
-    encourage older children to watch the news and discuss current events with you
-    watch the news with older children and use it as a springboard to discuss difficult topics such as racism, sexuality, AIDS, war, death, drug and alcohol use
-    keep a globe or atlas handy when watching the news to look up countries or areas mentioned in stories
-    try to find positive news stories
-    tell children that news isn't always true and sometimes they exaggerate the facts to make the story more interesting so people watch their new program