Though we may wish otherwise, breaking news stories can often be sensitive and unsettling. What’s more, in today’s world of social media, smartphones, and apps, the news is often unavoidable – including for our children. They may see snippets of news online, on newspaper front pages, or hear about events in the playground.
However, as parents and carers, we can responsibly help children deal with heavier news. Rather than sheltering children from what’s happening in the world, we can equip them with tools to grow and learn from current events. Within sensitive stories lie important lessons to help children develop empathy and respect for others, especially during times of adversity.
Discussing what’s happened
When considering how you’ll share current events with children, consider their age and developmental stage. Be sure to vet any content you might use to aid your explanations, including images and videos.
For younger children, you may wish to simplify news events into relatable concepts, such as being kind or unkind, fair or unfair. For older children, sharing more information can be appropriate.
Reactions and understanding of news stories will differ for everyone, but trust that you know your children best as you gauge how much information to share. Conversations about the news can work well in the morning giving children plenty of time to digest what’s happened, reflect, and share any questions or worries with you during the day.
Understanding beliefs and responses
News stories can prompt emotional reactions for all of us. Sensitive news often dominates headlines and social media feeds, and may directly affect children, so it’s important to let them have emotional outlets in response. Some children might bottle up their feelings, so making time to talk in a safe, familiar space can help. Give children a variety of tools to express how they feel; they might prefer to talk, write, or use creative approaches. You could use visual aids, discussions, post-it notes, emotion cards, smiley faces, or art.
Exploring how the news makes your children feel can be a valuable opportunity to discuss their understanding of emotions: what it means to feel an emotion, how emotions can change, and how they manifest differently for everyone.
Being empowered by our actions
For many of us, difficult stories can induce feelings of helplessness and despair. Yet during times of adversity, we can remind our children (and ourselves!) to find power and strength in what’s controllable.
While we individually may be powerless to prevent certain events in the news from occurring, they can prompt us and our children to think about how we contribute to wider society. We can manage and consider the examples we set for our children, and we can encourage our children to contemplate how their behaviour and reactions impact others.
As parents and citizens, a sense of empowerment can be forged by knowing that we, along with our children, can spread kindness to others, check on people in our communities, listen to them, and support one another.
Cultivating empathy and respect
Current affairs often present a spectrum of opinions and experiences, reminding children that each of us hold different perspectives that should be respected. This can help children form connections with others; by exploring other people’s experiences, children can build empathy, consider others, and relate to different people.
Helping children learn about people’s cultures and ideas is a valuable approach to developing well-rounded, thoughtful citizens.
Finding positives
Amid sensitive topics, there are often positive stories. Among stories of hardship, there may be examples of communities pulling together, ultimately showing our children lessons of citizenship and unity.
News stories can address important social issues, and having an awareness of these issues can empower children to make a difference. Other stories may highlight uplifting community responses to difficult events, illustrating resilience and togetherness. There are many positive acts that arise following turbulent events, which we can share with children.
Using our voices for good
Headlines are full of people using their voice to make a difference – and children can do the same. We can embolden our children to know that by being aware of what’s happening in the world, they can speak up for positive change. With the right support, children can be active citizens, whether helping their community, writing letters, or having conversations. They can act on their ideas and opinions to make a positive impact locally, nationally, or even globally.
Though sensitive news may initially seem off-limits for children, we can use it as an opportunity to share important life lessons of citizenship, respect, and kindness in response. Big changes begin with small actions, so let’s start at home.
To listen to the ‘Big Back to School Assembly’ all about celebrating our differences and respecting others, click here.