What if graphic news or images are broadcast on TV, radio, or Internet without warning?
When political violence becomes breaking news, TV and radio stations and Internet providers may broadcast information and updates with no warning. Some parents may normally be very careful about what the children watch or hear, but they can’t control breaking news. It is hard to know what to do when this happens. First, parents should be careful not to make the coverage more powerful by jumping up and turning off the TV, radio, or computer with a lot of emotion and try to pretend nothing happened. It may be good to turn it off quickly, but then find out what the child saw and heard. Maybe the child did not see anything. You can just explain that something was coming on that you did not need to watch. But if the child saw a little bit of the event, talk about it. If the child is old enough to understand more, watch more coverage together. Be aware of your own reaction. Your child will learn a lot by watching how you react. Back to the Top!
When political violence becomes breaking news, TV and radio stations and Internet providers may broadcast information and updates with no warning. Some parents may normally be very careful about what the children watch or hear, but they can’t control breaking news. It is hard to know what to do when this happens. First, parents should be careful not to make the coverage more powerful by jumping up and turning off the TV, radio, or computer with a lot of emotion and try to pretend nothing happened. It may be good to turn it off quickly, but then find out what the child saw and heard. Maybe the child did not see anything. You can just explain that something was coming on that you did not need to watch. But if the child saw a little bit of the event, talk about it. If the child is old enough to understand more, watch more coverage together. Be aware of your own reaction. Your child will learn a lot by watching how you react.
