Children and News Stories
“The news is scary, Mom!” Although they are young adults, my children refuse to watch the news. They feel it is full of doom and gloom: terrorists bombing airports, dance clubs being attacked by gunmen, black men being shot, police being ambushed, and reports of riots, looting, and animal abuse, etc…
The Bible tells us that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Since the fall of man in Genesis, violence, racism, and injustice have been a part of the world. In the days of Noah, God said, “The wickedness of man is great in the earth, and every intent of his heart is evil.” Sin is a problem of the human heart. Adultery and murder flow from a heart of hatred and lust (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28).
As frightening as my adult children believe it is to listen to recent news reports, hearing the news is even scarier for young children. What can you do to alleviate the fears in their young hearts? Some people recommend not letting your children watch television at all. But is it really possible to do that? What if they go to a family member’s house or to a friend’s house where your rules don’t apply? We cannot police every moment of our child’s life, but we can prepare them to face the harsh realities of life, including the horrific evils that are perpetrated every day.
First, though, we must look at our own actions, for our actions speak volumes. Do we at times spew racist or hateful remarks? Gossip is a tool used to murder and afflict pain. Let’s start by removing all forms of hatred from our homes and from our hearts. Blessed are the peacemakers and not just the peacekeepers (Matthew 5:9)!
Next, we need to teach our children to pray for our political leaders, for our country, and for our world. Tell your children that God hears our prayers, and although there are many bad things happening in the world, there are also many good things that happen too. Make them aware of the many acts of kindness and goodness that happen every day. In addition, try your best to limit the amount of television they watch since there is so much violence in today’s TV programs. Don’t let them watch the news if they are very young. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day.”[1]
Most importantly, if your children see something that is very disturbing to them, reassure them that you will love and protect them always. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
[1] http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tv-affects-child.html