Protecting and Empowering Children in a Globalised World
Children make up a large audience-proportion of the news but are perhaps the least protected from its adverse affects. Unwittingly they fall prey to a bombardment of information through primary mediums or misinformation sifted though secondary hands. Sometimes they do not need to know a story directly to feel its impact: young, highly perceptive minds respond to the fear translated in those around them. Regardless of whether it is new findings, important updates, or ‘fake-news’, the majority of what they hear will be negative. Since this negativity is disproportionate to life as a whole, and causes undue stress, it is important to shield them from as much as possible and to educate them on how to think critically.
Understandably we do not want them to be ignorant to the goings on of the world but in a globalised, digitally-connected time there is more going on than can healthily be taken in. Therefore, a good filtering process is necessary. Since the news predominantly filters the most ‘paper’-selling stories, we must then filter through to children the need-to-know only facts, plus all the fun stuff, like new space discoveries. This action should help balance out what they receive when out of our care—via the bus radio, an internet advert or in the school yard.
To further equip them to handle anxiety-provoking bulletins or gossip we can teach them how to do this filtering for themselves. This will set them in good stead for the rest of their lives. Here is one way of doing so: https://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/developing-critical-thinking-skills-in-children.
There is only so much parents can do for their children to preempt this inescapable occurrence, but there is a lot that can be done after the fact. When a child’s well-being is rocked by something they heard, we can provide all the care and support they need to recalibrate their emotions and make them feel safe. If the opportunity arises, talking to children daily on those trips to and from school or sat at the dinner table opens doors for them to speak about the subjects that are bothering them. Drilling children with constant questions, however, can cause them to shut down, especially when they are tired, so a soft approach is important—at their pace.
This empowerment process takes some time. If along the way a child needs immediate alleviation to their distress, this link maybe helpful https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/anxiety-in-children/. You could also seek advice from your health visitor.
Should you find yourself feeling anxious, this link may help https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/self-help/.
In conclusion, children deserve to be protected from an unnecessary stream of negative news and gifted the breathing space to grow and play unhampered. Sadly, due to certain situations, especially those encompassing the globe, not every worry can be avoided entirely. The best a guardian can do in triggering times is shield, comfort and educate appropriately, leaving children feeling safe and more empowered.