Children have unprecedented access to information from around the world, often at their fingertips. While the internet can be a valuable resource for learning, it also exposes children to graphic and violent world news that can be distressing and potentially harmful. Even if your child is not exposed to the news, this content can easily go viral on social media as graphic videos illicit visceral responses that drive the algorithm. As parents, caregivers, and responsible adults, it is our duty to protect our children from the negative effects of such content.
Understand the Impact
Before addressing the issue, it’s essential to understand the potential impact of graphic and violent news on children. Exposure to such content can lead to anxiety, fear, desensitisation, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, it’s crucial to take this issue seriously and be aware of how it may affect your child. Children, and even teenagers, do not process world events in the same way as adults do, and it can feel more pressing and more local to them than to their parents, even when the event is very distant to their lives.
Set Age-Appropriate Boundaries
Different children mature at different rates, so it’s important to consider age-appropriate boundaries when it comes to online news consumption. Younger children may be more sensitive to graphic content, while older teenagers may be better equipped to understand it within its context. Even teenagers (and adults!) can be impacted by the extreme content that comes out of war zones or natural disasters. Use your judgment to determine what is suitable for your child and set clear guidelines accordingly.
Monitor Online Activity
As a parent or guardian, actively monitor your child’s online activities. Ensure that you know what websites they visit and the content they engage with, especially on social media. Remember that what you see on social media will be considerably different to what they see on the same platform due to the algorithm adjusting for age, gender, and previous use. Use parental control software and privacy settings to limit exposure to graphic content.
Educate and Communicate
Engage in open and age-appropriate conversations with your child about the news. Help them understand the difference between factual information and sensationalised content. Teach them to question the credibility of sources and the motives behind certain stories. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns or questions.
Curate News Sources
Choose news sources that are known for their responsible and age-appropriate reporting. Some news websites have dedicated sections for children or offer content designed specifically for younger audiences. These sources are more likely to provide news that is suitable for children. An excellent resource for Australian children is ‘BTN: Behind the News’ on ABC.
Use News Aggregators
Consider using news aggregator apps or websites that filter out graphic and violent content. These platforms curate news stories and provide a more controlled and safe environment for children to access age-appropriate news.
Time Limits
Set daily or weekly time limits on news consumption. This helps ensure that your child doesn’t become overwhelmed with negative information and has time for other activities that promote a well-rounded childhood.
Encourage Critical Thinking
Teach your child critical thinking skills. Help them analyse news stories, identify biases, and distinguish between fact and opinion. Critical thinking will not only protect them from graphic content but also empower them to make informed decisions as they grow.
Seek Professional Help
If you notice that your child is struggling to cope with graphic or violent news, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Child psychologists and counsellors can provide the necessary support and guidance to help your child process their emotions and reactions.
In an age where information is readily available, protecting children from graphic and violent world news online is more important than ever. By staying actively involved in your child’s online life, you can help shield them from unnecessary distress and anxiety, while also nurturing their critical thinking skills and emotional well-being. Remember that while we can’t shield them from the world’s harsh realities forever, we can guide them and provide them with the tools to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and safely.