is it time to subscribe a newspaper?

[xing]

DS is 8 and loves reading all sort of things, recently he starts to take an interest in international affairs, the school library has First News to read to get this sort of information. But I wonder if it is time to subscribe a newspaper, e.g Times to broad his view?

[Picturesinthefirelight]

No, stick with First News

Dd is now 12 & has always been very interested in current affairs but we has problems when she was younger with age inappropriate content in newspapers, especially photographs.

Afghanistan & the London Riots are two examples.

[Picturesinthefirelight]

Now she is 12 she does read them but we have just had to have a conversation about Female Genital Mutilation for example. Is that something you really want to be discussing with an 8 year old.

[Nothingtosay]

I'd say go with a newspaper even at 8. They'll only be interested in little bits but it develops a regular habit and routine of looking and absorbing information. There's inappropriate content everywhere - BBC Radio, TV it's hard to avoid - you just tailor your replies if they ask.

I worked in newspapers when mine were little and brought home all the dailies. As young teenagers they choose to get their news online now but I'm glad they actually appreciated a printed newspaper for a while.