12 Tips to Help Children Process Graphic News and Violence Online

If you have young children, consider watching the news privately on your laptop or cell phone with headphones, or after they have gone to bed, to reduce the possibility of sights and sounds of violence from background TV. While it may seem harmless to keep the television news on in the background or in a room set apart from where children are playing, witnessing violence and civil unrest–especially when it impacts families and children–can be frightening and anxiety-producing.

2. Be Aware of Social Media Exposure

Coverage of violent events is no longer restricted to regularly scheduled news segments. Youth increasingly access their news on social media platforms, where violent images and videos can  appear with little (or no) warning. Social media platforms continue to struggle with content moderation, too, meaning that extreme violent content shared with malicious intent can also be a risk.

During periods of high conflict, it might be helpful to sit with your teen and scroll through social media together. Talk about what you see and what it means. Discuss possible steps to block or filter certain content, and how to do so. Most importantly, encourage your teen to talk to you about anything they see that might be upsetting. Ultimately, you are the expert on your child and your family’s values, and you should work with your teen to determine how to stay connected safely and responsibly.

3. Make Space for Conversation

Be proactive, and start a conversation with your child in a comfortable time and place. While it might be tempting to protect your child from these events, depending on their exposure to other people and the scale of the event, it is likely that they may overhear or see something elsewhere. Starting the conversation early will let you introduce the issue on your terms, and will also let your child know that you are available if they have any concerns or questions that come up later.

Consider the age and maturity of your children or students when deciding what and how to share. One simple guideline is to follow their questions and let them steer the conversation. You might even start with open-ended questions to get a sense of what they already know. Promise to meet them where they are,  provide answers suitable for their age and understanding, and assure them that if you don’t know something, you’ll discover it together.

Very young children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances of safety. Talk softly and calmly, using words they understand. As children get older, they may be more vocal in asking questions and sharing feelings. It may be helpful to talk about what is being done to help those in need. Adolescents in middle and high school may want to talk in more depth about the causes of violence and bigger issues around politics and society. Emphasize that adults are responsible for keeping them safe, but discuss concrete steps they can take to help, if interested. (See #11)

It might be helpful to have these conversations casually, while doing an activity together or during a drive, for example. Young children may have a hard time expressing emotions verbally, so using drawings or pictures can help.

Above all, emphasize that you’re there to support them and foster open lines of communication, making it clear that they can always approach you to discuss their concerns or share their feelings.

4. Correct Misinformation

In a world filled with information, it’s essential to help our children navigate it wisely. When discussing any conflict or witnessing violence online, encourage critical thinking. Teach them to verify facts, consider multiple perspectives, and ask questions. Encourage them to ask themselves questions about what they are watching and reading. For example, “Who made this?” “Who wrote this?” “Why might they have done so?” “What information is included?” “What might be missing?” (See “How to Help Kids (and Adults) Spot Misinformation Online”)

Correcting misinformation is not just about giving answers but empowering them to seek the truth. By fostering a curious and discerning mindset, we equip our children with the tools to sift through the noise and develop a deeper understanding of complex global issues.

5. Reassure Your Kids That They Are Safe

Each conversation you have about these events should begin and end with reassurance that your children and family are safe. It may help to provide context to the violence witnessed if far away, or to review the protections keeping your child safe at home and in their community. Discuss strategies for what they can do or who they can go to if they ever feel unsafe.

In addition, when you talk about these difficult matters, sit somewhere neutral and comfortable, but not in the room where your child sleeps. This will ensure that your child can return to the solace of their bedrooms.

Witnessing violence against others with similar identities, like children generally or those with similar racial, gender, religious, or cultural identities, can be particularly frightening. Be aware of these connections and be prepared to help the child process their feelings about them.

6. Maintain a Regular Schedule and Routine

A regular schedule and routine is important for children to feel secure and stable, and this is especially true in times of conflict or stress. Make sure children enjoy ample sleep, regular meals, and exercise to bolster their physical health. Encourage them to stay engaged with schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but be attentive and compassionate if they feel overwhelmed. Equally important, nurture their healthy social connections as a means of emotional support and resilience. By providing a structured routine and fostering well-being, we equip children to better navigate challenging situations with strength and balance.

7. Pay Attention

Watch for signs of anxiety about what is happening or detrimental fixation on the news. Red flags include abnormal acting out, stomachaches, under-or over-eating, headaches, difficulty sleeping, inability to turn off the news or to look away despite negative consequences, replacing normal, healthy behaviors with news, watching countless hours of news coverage, and/or aggressive behavior. If you see any of these signs, even if they are portrayed as misbehaving, do not move immediately into punishment mode. Get to the root of the problem through conversation and reassurance. Anxiety and psychological distress from the event may stay with children for a long time; be vigilant as you observe their behavior and seek professional help, if needed.

8. Give Your Kids a Break

These conversations are not easy. The images we are seeing across our screens are not simple to digest. It’s OK if kids need to take a break from the conversation or from the room. The anxiety caused by these conversations and watching scenes of real-life violence might result in a restlessness that a nice walk or throwing a ball might help dissipate.

9. Take a Screen Detox

Take this opportunity to turn off the screens and spend time together as a family. Especially in times like these, children need tangible opportunities for connection, care and comfort. Taking a break from the news coverage or other violent images, like in some video games, will help everyone take a deep breath and remember what is most important. While it may not be possible to stay off screens for a long period of time, even little breaks throughout the day and week can help reset.

10. Explain that Violence is Never the Answer

It is imperative that you reiterate as often as possible that violence in any form – from a slap to a gunshot to a push – is never the answer. This message must ring loud and clear. When we have disagreements with siblings, classmates, or others, whether those disagreements are about how conflict begins, who is responsible for reparations, or about not liking someone’s shoes, we have to use our words to work through them, not our bodies, tools, or weapons. Ask kids how they feel when someone hurts them, and remind them that “in this family, we promise never to make anyone feel like that.” Discuss how bullying, encouraging other people to be bullies, and talking badly about people are also behaviors that will not be tolerated and that if anyone ever bullies or hurts them, they should tell a family member, teacher, or trusted adult.

12. Tell Stories of Kindness

In the midst of fear, anxiety, and injustice, there is always room for hope, joy, and kindness. Be intentional about sharing stories of the good in the world. Encourage each member of your family to think about something that made them smile today and to find a way to make someone else smile. Consider reading a feel-good story or watching a news segment that features good people doing great things for each other. Talk about meaningful ways to contribute something positive to the world.