Strong images from Japan are being shown in the news media all over the world. What should parents be aware of when allowing children to watch news about catastrophes or war?

by Rune H. Rasmussen

The terrible earthquake and following tsunami in Japan has taken thousands of lives, and descriptions of the catastrophe and the horrifying consequences are told with the aid of strong images on TV screens all over the world. The images can be disturbing enough for adults, and it is extremely important that the protection of children is considered in situations such as this. We must do all we can to protect our children from harm as a result of exposure to such images.

Can create unnecessary fear
TV news presents words and images in a direct manner that that can confuse and disturb children. This may cause fear, and many children develop terrifying thoughts or traumatic dreams after being exposed to strong images. In today’s society, it is almost impossible to protect children completely from reports about war and catastrophes, still; it is fully possible to help children feel secure and help them put their thoughts into words.

The Norwegian child psychologist Magne Raundalen emphasises that children under 10 years of age should be as shielded from strong news as possible, and that children under 7 should not watch news about war and disasters at all. However, children should have some understanding of big events that everyone is talking about, such as the disaster in Japan. In situations like these, it may be wise to watch the news together with the child, and explain what is happening in simple words – without gruesome detail or strong images.

Talking and Listening
When children are exposed to strong images, they need time to process them. For this reason, children need someone who can listen to their understanding of what they have seen and heard, at the same time as clear-speaking adults can give them the security they need. Children can easily become anxious about whether their own day-to-day reality is dangerous or threatened. Make sure to tell children how the current news will affect their everyday life.

As well as this, it may help children if their parents and other adults focus on the positive aspects of the news about war and catastrophes. If one focuses on elements such as the efforts of the relief teams, stories about survivors and the support of the international community, then children can feel secure in the thought that all is under control and that the situation will soon improve.

Limit how much news is watched
In times of crisis, many adults watch news updates for hour after hour. This can be unfortunate for children, who will realise that the daily routine has changed and that the adults are affected by the unfolding events. Children may also have trouble realising that reports are shown several times, not realising that many of the reports are repeats. As a result, many children may believe that new disasters occur every evening, when, in reality, they watch the same strong images one more time. For this reason, it is recommendable that adults limit how much news they watch before the children are in bed, and that the daily routines and behaviour that the children are used to make them feel safe, are, if possible, kept the same.

Be aware
Children may also be exposed to strong images without their parent’s knowledge. In periods with grave news, it might be a good idea to be especially aware. If children develop changes in behaviour, for example have difficulty sleeping, become fearful, get more dependent or aggressive, this could be caused by something they have seen or heard. In that case, a conversation between parents and children, where the children are given an opportunity to speak plainly about what they are scared of, may be very reassuring.

Still, the most important thing is for children to know, no matter what happens in the world, that they are safe at home, that their parents will protect them and, not least, that they are loved.

Read Kids and Media’s advice about children and the news.