Monitoring your child’s news and social media intake during national or global crises

Research shows that continual media coverage of community or health crises overexposes kids and teens to negative information, which can lead them to feel confused, overwhelmed and worried.   

Set boundaries 

Excessive use of media is associated with negative psychological and physical consequences, including depression and obesity. 

Set limits for daily use 

Encourage active interpersonal exchanges, such as video chats with same-age peers, and steer children away from using electronics solely for passive activities like scrolling or watching videos. 

Be sure that your child is also spending time away from electronic devices, engaging in physical activity and enjoying other social and educational activities. 

Model appropriate consumption of media and reactions to news reports 

Talk with your kids about what they’re seeing about the news on social media. Often, social media shows sensational sound bites and only parts of a full story. This can be anxiety-provoking due to how it’s presented. Chat with them about what’s happening and use this as a time to provide some accurate information and reassurance.

Obtain critical updates from reliable sources once or twice a day; avoid sensationalism or repeated coverage of the same information. 

Check-in with yourself  

Are you feeling distressed or agitated? If so, turn off the news and pursue other activities. Although some level of worry, confusion or sadness is to be expected, if your child senses you are feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, they will be more likely to become emotionally dysregulated as well. React calmly and provide reassurance so that your child will follow suit. 

Crisis Resources

If your child expresses thoughts of wanting to harm themselves or others, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency department.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:

Call 9-8-8

Text any message to 9-8-8

Chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat

Crisis Text Line:

Text “HOME” to 741741

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