Navigating media consumption in times of unrest: a guide for parents

In today’s digital age, news travels faster than ever before, often reaching our screens within moments of an event occurring. While this can be beneficial, it also means that our children might be exposed to images and information that can be distressing. With the current civil unrest unfolding across the globe, it’s important to ensure that our daughters are shielded from graphic content while still staying informed.

Balancing awareness with wellbeing

First and foremost, it’s essential to strike a balance. While it’s important for our daughters to be aware of world events, we need to ensure their mental wellbeing is prioritised. Discussing the news as a family can offer an opportunity to contextualise events and provide a supportive environment for your daughter to share her feelings.

Practical strategies for parents

Please note that some of these will apply more or less depending on the age of your daughter.

1. Set parental controls: Utilise parental controls on devices and TVs. This allows you to filter out inappropriate content and potentially distressing news reports.

2. Schedule media time – for when you are around: Allocate specific times in the day for catching up with the news, preferably when you’re present. This way, you can monitor and discuss the content with your daughter, providing context and reassurance. A common piece of advice we give to parents is no phones in bedrooms.

3. Encourage open dialogue: Make it a habit to talk about the news and world events. By creating an open environment where your daughter feels comfortable sharing, you can address any concerns and clarify misunderstandings.

4. Navigate social media use: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can sometimes expose users to unfiltered content. Encourage your daughter to be discerning about whom she follows and to take regular breaks from these platforms. It is through these platforms that much of the highly distressing media is distributed.

The aim isn’t to shield our daughters from the realities of the world entirely, but to present them in a manner that’s digestible and less distressing. By fostering an atmosphere of understanding and openness, we can help our daughters navigate these challenging times with resilience and empathy.