Press release
Friday 6 September 2002

Media Coverage of September 11 Anniversary: Call for Restraint

National community organisation Young Media Australia (YMA) today called for restraint by the media in their coverage of the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York.

Children are particularly vulnerable to harm from seeing graphic images replayed again and again, says YMA Executive Director Barbara Biggins

“Child health professionals from a range of disciplines agree that exposure to graphic images can have harmful effects on children,” Ms Biggins said.

“Young children who view footage of the attacks may believe that the attacks are happening again and may think that they and their families are in immediate danger.

“Older children, may also be disturbed by footage of the attack, fearing that such events could happen to them. They are also distressed by images of people, including other children, who are distressed.”

YMA is especially concerned that graphic images from the events of September 11, including TV program promos, should not be screened at times when large numbers of children are likely to be watching. The screening of such footage could be in breach of the television stations’ code of conduct in this area. Parents of young children are advised to minimise their children’s exposure to September 11 coverage.

“If older children are exposed to footage that they find distressing, it is important to listen and respond to their fears,” says Ms Biggins. “Answer their questions openly and honestly, but be careful not to overwhelm them with unnecessary details.

“All children, even teenagers, look to trusted adults around them to provide them with a sense of safety, so it is important for parents to monitor their own reactions when children are present.”

Parents seeking more information about how to handle children’s responses to this event, are encouraged to phone the national freecall 24 hour / 7 day Young Media Australia Helpline on 1800 700 357.