War in Ukraine and News

[Ohbuggeritsme]

DD 11 has caught things from Radio and news about what is going on in Russia. I've tried explaining in the best way possible for her to understand. She has asked to watch the news.

So, wise people of MN, would you let your child watch the news so they can understand what is going on, or not and leave it to your explanation?

That’s what newsround is for. I maybe wouldn’t sit down and watch the grown up news as it can be sensationalist, particularly when they use pundits, and kids might not have the critical thinking skills yet to understand what’s credible and what’s not. Newsround is great for presenting it in a digestible way without “babying”.

They have videos and pieces on their website www.bbc.co.uk/newsround

@Lime37

Let her watch newsround it’s age appropriate

This

@Lime37

Let her watch newsround it’s age appropriate

This

Even an article called “ Advice if you're upset by the news”
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/13865002

It is vital imo that children are not sheltered. They can handle more than you think. As for sensitive children who may be anxious...I think that's an even better reason to tackle it head on, with you as a guide. You can't teach them to run away and hide when they're scared.
When, not if, they are finally forced to face something frightening, or hear of it, you risk having a child (or adult) who is unable to deal with it because you haven't prepared them.

My ten year old DD asked me earlier if she was in danger. she is incredibly switched on so I have tried to explain the situation to her, in the clearest way possible. I know they watch Newsround at school and we don’t censor the news at home.

Yes at 11 I defiantly would. I was about to turn off BBC news earlier when my 7year old DD came downstairs but decided against it. She watched for a few minutes then asked about it. We just gave a brief explanation that Russia thinks Ukraine should be part of their country but Ukraine is really their own country. She then went back to playing with her dolls. We will not avoid it because she’ll hear snippets about it anyway.

My DD10 asked this evening what was happening with Russia and Ukraine. We watched Newsround together as it put it in a more child supportive way than I could.

@AlexaShutUp

I'd be interested to know if adults who experience anxiety issues as a result of watching the news were exposed to it as children. I grew up watching the news and can't remember a time when I wasn't encouraged to take an interest in what was going on in the world. My parents didn't try to sugar-coat it, though they did help to explain and put it in perspective. Obviously, I watch with concern at what is going on, but I have never felt that it has had a detrimental impact on my mental health. I can't help but wonder if trying too hard to protect our kids from this stuff actually has the opposite effect because it doesn't prepare us for dealing with it as adults.

I think that's probably very true.

We've had BBC news on most of the day DS7 has watched it. I've explained what's going on, and tried to concentrate more on the humanitarian crisis of it, but that ultimately Russia has invaded Ukraine and all we can do right now is watch and wait, but emphasised that war is not on our shores.

He seemed fine, he's played Minecraft on and off and doesn't seem phased by it.

I don't think sheltering children is the answer, but explanation and a calm attitude is needed. Children mirror us, so if I say I'm not worried he's not worried. Keep calm and carry on as the old saying goes.

www.bbc.co.uk/newsround

There is an article about Russia launching an attack on Ukraine
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/60417806

and how UK, US and the rest of the world reacted
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/60508750

And also Advice If You Are Upset By The News
www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/13865002

I've discussed it with my 10 year old DD today too.

Her friend is currently visiting family in Lithuania & she was concerned as she saw Lithuania on the map on the news.

I used to watch the news at 11. Didn't understand it all but have to start somewhere.

There used to be a BBC version of the news for children, donkey’s years ago now so I can’t remember what it was called?
If such a thing still exists, I’d go with that.
(Newshound/round maybe?)

The Chernobyl disaster happened when I was 10. I was also never shielded from it. We watched the news, my parents were very honest about how bad it was & how yes we do have nuclear plants in the UK. They also told me how incredibly rare that sort of thing was & I never remember being scared of it.

My dear 8-year-old daughter caused a slight panic in her class today by yelling "IT'S THE RUSSIANS" when the fire alarm went off at school. So I'm now of the opinion that having the Today programme on over breakfast is not the best idea...

For 11 though, I very vividly remember following Yugoslavia/Kosovan stuff at around that age in '99. I think it is reassuring to have an understanding and at that age they're old enough to grasp the basics of what is going on.

@Jourdain11

My dear 8-year-old daughter caused a slight panic in her class today by yelling "IT'S THE RUSSIANS" when the fire alarm went off at school. So I'm now of the opinion that having the Today programme on over breakfast is not the best idea...

I'm sorry I shouldn't have snorted with laughter at that, but I did 😳

Bless her.

As a supply teacher the whole of the school today was talking about it anyway. Probably better to hear it with you than the many versions she will hear at school.

@AlexaShutUp

I'd be interested to know if adults who experience anxiety issues as a result of watching the news were exposed to it as children. I grew up watching the news and can't remember a time when I wasn't encouraged to take an interest in what was going on in the world. My parents didn't try to sugar-coat it, though they did help to explain and put it in perspective. Obviously, I watch with concern at what is going on, but I have never felt that it has had a detrimental impact on my mental health. I can't help but wonder if trying too hard to protect our kids from this stuff actually has the opposite effect because it doesn't prepare us for dealing with it as adults.

It doesnt necessarily relate to what news you were exposed to as a child. Some people are just more sensitive than others. People also have different ways of digesting the news and whats going on around them.