One look at the news tells us many stories can be sensitive and divisive. And in today’s world of social media, smart phones and apps, the news is often unavoidable. At Picture News, we’re determined that the news doesn’t have to be something to shield children from. Children encounter stories online, on newspaper front pages, or hear snippets in the playground, but as parents and carers, we can responsibly support children to deal with major news. What’s more, current affairs can help us equip children with tools to grow and learn from the world around them.
Make it age-appropriate
When thinking about how you’ll share news stories with children, consider their age and developmental stage. Be sure to vet any content you might use to help explanations, including images and videos. For younger children, you may wish to simplify news events into relatable concepts, like being kind or unkind, fair or unfair. For older children, divulging more information can be appropriate. Reactions and understanding of news stories will differ for every child, but be confident that you know your child best as you gauge how much information to share. Conversations about the news can work well in the morning; this gives children plenty of time to digest what’s happened, reflect, and share any questions or worries with you during the day.
Explore emotional responses
News stories can prompt emotional reactions for all of us. Some stories can dominate headlines and social media feeds or directly affect children, so it’s important to let them have emotional outlets in response. Children may bottle up how they’re feeling about events unfolding in the world, so making time to talk in a safe, familiar space can help. Give children a variety of tools to communicate 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 a news story makes your children feel can be a genuine opportunity to explore their understanding of emotions: what it means to feel an emotion, how emotions can change over time, and how they manifest differently for everyone.
Regulate yourself
Be sure to observe and regulate you own reactions, language and behaviour when discussing news with children. As parents, we know children can be impressionable, and therefore may detect and emulate any fear or hatred they observe around them. We can responsibly ensure children mirror positive behaviour when discussing current topics. Try to maintain a healthy environment that is considerate and respectful. Think carefully about the language you use and try to stick to the facts. Be clear if parts of the discussion are your own thoughts, and be honest with children if you are unsure on a response to a question – you don’t have to know all of the answers! Instead, navigate the news together as events occur.
Develop empathy
Current affairs contain a spectrum of opinions and experiences, which help children learn that we all hold different perspectives to be respected. This can support children in forging connections between themselves and others; by exploring other people’s experiences depicted in the news, children can build empathy, consider others, and practise relating to people. Such an awareness is a useful tool to help children become well-rounded, thoughtful citizens, who care about others.
Look for the positives
Nestled within sensitive topics tend to be positive stories. During times of hardship reflected in the news, we can often find examples of communities pulling together, to ultimately show our children lessons of morality, citizenship, and unity. We don’t need to look too far within current headlines to see this in action: the UK riots over the summer were worrying for many and promoted fear and division. Stories reporting these events addressed important issues of discrimination and racism, and other stories reported on community, resilience and togetherness in the aftermath of violence, from clean-up efforts to peaceful anti-racist protests. There are many positive acts in response to turbulent events that we can share with children.
Use your voices for good
Headlines are full of people using their voice to make a change – and children can do just that. We can empower our children to know that, by having awareness of what’s happening in the world, they can speak up for the better. The news is happening now, and with the right tools and support, children can act on their ideas and opinions for the good, to make a positive difference locally, nationally, or even globally.
There are many important lessons within news events that can help children grow and develop. Sharing the news with the younger generation comes with responsibility, but with the right tools and guidance, children can learn valuable lessons of citizenship, empathy and morality, whilst discovering the world they live in.
By Katie Harrison, former teacher and founder of Picture News, a supplier of teacher resources for creating engaging and exciting lessons about current affairs so children can learn about the world around them.
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