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From time to time, disasters such as the Victorian bushfires, war in Afghanistan and the Middle East, and bombings in Mumbai and Bali, are given saturation
coverage by the media. Child development specialists have warned that children can be traumatised by being exposed to reports and images of these frightening events.
Here are some questions and answers to help you provide appropriate guidance and protection for
your children.
Q: How old are the children in my care?
A: Respond according to their level of development.
Depending on their age, children vary in their perception of
the world. Very young children will pick up that something bad
is happening, but will not be able to understand. Older children
are at great risk because they know this event is real but have
not yet learnt to distance themselves as much as adults or even
adolescents can. With these children talk to them as much as they
seem to need, ask them questions and listen, explore their capacity
to apply rational thinking to what they have seen in the media.
Contact the Children and Media Helpline (1800 700 357) to find
out more about the response suitable for the developmental stage
of your child.
Q: What media are they seeing or hearing?
A: Minimise and rationalise.
Take control of the media that your children see or hear in
your own home. Limit exposure according to their age and ability
to cope. Keep the amount of television coverage seen by children
of primary school age to an absolute minimum, particularly where
there are graphic visual images. The ABC program BTN (Behind the News) covers current events in a more age appropriate manner. Find out if your child watches BTN at school, or tape it yourself
to watch with your child.
For adolescents, try to find programs which provide a relatively
objective coverage of events with a minimum of sensationalised
and emotional content. If you want to keep informed yourself,
watch programs after your children are in bed or, if you have
more than one TV, watch it in another room and explain why. If
your child spends time in the care of others, explain that you
want minimal media exposure and ask them to assist.
Q: How are my children feeling?
A: Listen and acknowledge.
Children may be feeling fear, horror, sadness and anger. Encourage
your children to talk about their feelings. Ask questions, listen
to what they have to say and acknowledge the feelings they are
able to articulate. Bedtime is often a good listening time. Give
young children lots of opportunities to play, draw and paint as
this will help them to deal with feelings. Understand that some
children will not express their feelings with words, but may act
out, become withdrawn, aggressive or use humour inappropriately
as their way of coping. It is important to react to the feelings
behind the behaviours rather than the behaviours themselves and
give extra reassurance and support.
Q: How am I communicating with them?
A: Openly and honestly.
It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your
children about what is happening. Acknowledge your own feelings
and tell them what you know about what is happening without exaggerating
or overreacting. Answer their questions directly but don’t
give them more information than they are asking for or that you
consider they need.
Q: How can I reassure them?
A: Give both physical and logical reassurance.
Most young children and many older children will be reassured
by physical contact. Give them lots of hugs and kisses and expect
that they will need more comfort, especially at bedtime. Older
children will respond to calm explanations, such as that the events are happening a long way away, that the world has recovered before from disasters and that there are many people working together to make
the world safe again and to help those who have been directly affected.
Q: How can I make them feel safe?
A: Routines, family togetherness and monitoring your own response.
Keep to normal routines, which provide a sense of safety and
security. Instead of watching the TV news, do activities that
give your family a sense of togetherness such as playing games
or walking the dog. If you are feeling anxious, try not to show
it. Remember that you are the rock for your children no matter
what their age; calm, caring and consistent reactions from you
will make the world feel safe for your children. Limit your own
TV intake. If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to other adults
when your children aren’t there.
To discuss the media’s impact on your child during these
difficult times, call the Children and Media Helpline on 1800
700 357.
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