News and Children

Over the last few weeks, I have had quite a few discussions with parents in the Prep – Year 2 car park around what we are seeing reported in the news.

Children often see or hear the news many times a day through television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the internet. Seeing and hearing about local and world events, such as natural disasters, catastrophic events and crime reports, may cause children to experience stress, anxiety and fears.

There have also been changes in how news is reported that increase the potential for children to experience negative effects. These include:

• Television channels and internet websites that report the news 24 hours a day;
• Television channels broadcasting live events as they are unfolding, in ‘real time’;
• Increased reporting of the details of the private lives of public figures and role models;
• Pressure to get news to the public as part of the competitive nature of the entertainment industry; and
• Detailed and repetitive visual and auditory coverage of natural disasters and violent acts.

While there has been great public debate about providing television ratings to warn parents about violence and sex in regular programming, news shows have only recently been added to these discussions. Chronic and persistent exposure to watching violence can lead to fear, desensitisation (numbing) and in some children, an increase in aggressive and violent behaviours. Studies also show that media broadcasts do not always portray things that accurately reflect local or national trends.

The possible negative effects of news can be lessened by parents, teachers or other adults watching the news with your child and talking about what has been seen or heard. Your child's age, maturity, developmental level, life experiences and vulnerabilities should guide how much and what kind of news your child watches.

Guidelines for minimizing the negative effects of watching the news include:

• Monitor the amount of time your child spends watching news shows.
• Make sure you have adequate time and a quiet place to talk if you anticipate that the news is going to be troubling or upsetting to your child.
• Watch the news with your child.
• Ask your child what they heard and what questions they have.
• Provide reassurance regarding your child’s own safety in simple words, emphasising that you are going to be there to keep them safe.

Parents should remember that it is important to talk to your child about what they have seen or heard. This allows you to lessen the potential negative effects of the news and to discuss your own ideas and values. While children cannot be completely protected from outside events, you can help them feel safe and help them better understand the world around them.

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Learning K-5