Amidst an alarming drumbeat of conflict and violent events—whether a war across the world or a school shooting in our own communities—it's crucial to recognize the vulnerability of young people who are routinely exposed to this violence on social media and in the news. The news is alarming for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for kids to understand. Explaining the horrors of terror and atrocity, attempting to make sense of conflict, and shielding children from relentless violence is often a seemingly impossible challenge for parents, families, and educators.
For young people, social media is a primary tool for navigating the world, and as events unfold and generate reactions, they may see even more upsetting content than adults: About three-quarters of teens (77%) use YouTube daily, while a more minor majority (58%) say the same about TikTok. Misinformation and AI-generated content is also populating major social media platforms, which can be extremely misleading.
Understanding the mental health impacts of trauma
Consumption of harmful media can negatively impact a young person’s mental health, and ongoing exposure can cause problems with learning and behavior. Young people who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media have double the risk of mental health problems including experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This relates to all social media consumption, not just exposure to violent or upsetting content. Exposure to violent content amplifies the risk.
From school shootings to armed conflicts, experts warn that the repercussions of witnessing violent scenes can manifest as heightened anxiety, deep sadness, a sense of isolation, and an elevated perception of risk. Marsha Richardson, a Senior Lecturer at UPenn’s School and Mental Health Counseling Program, provides context: "Younger children may focus more on safety and security issues, primarily for themselves and their loved ones…middle schoolers may be more focused on factual information, and high schoolers will have begun assimilating the values of caregivers, school, peers and media."
Take these four steps to support kids in the wake of trauma-based violence:
1. First, practice self-care.
In order to to be a source of strength for a child, it's essential to take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water, eat regular meals, disconnect from your devices, and take time to rest.This sets a powerful example for children, who are observing our emotional responses and regulation during these stressful times.
2. Consider limiting news and social media consumption
Given that almost every young person engages with social media to some extent, outright app deletion may only be realistic for some. In these cases, parents should actively assist their children in distinguishing between verified and unreliable sources of information. Actions such as unfollowing specific accounts, setting time limits on exposure, and implementing appropriate parental controls can all help.
3. Help young people understand what's misinformation–and what's not
Even in times of peace, misinformation spreads rampant through social media and news outlets. Especially in times of conflict, it's important to decipher what's true and what's not–to understand what is being taken out of context or mischaracterized. One viral video claims to show a fighter shooting down a helicopter — but it's a clip from the video game Arma 3. There's another clip claiming to show violence from the current conflict, that is actually a video filmed in Guatemala in 2015. These are just two examples among a myriad of false posts.
Helping young people navigate through misinformation includes distinguishing between credible and unreliable sources on social media, offering guidance on fact-checking, and fostering open discussions about the content they encounter.
4. Look for changes in behavior
It's crucial to closely monitor a child's behavior, being attentive to any regressive signs that might signify stress or trauma. These indicators may include behaviors like thumb-sucking, requesting to sleep in a parent's bed, heightened tearfulness, a decline in academic performance, physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches, sleep disturbances, unexplained irritability or anger, or a reluctance to attend activities or social gatherings they'd typically participate in.
Parents should maintain an open line of communication with their child's school including teachers and counselors. Fostering a collaborative relationship with educational professionals can provide valuable insights and support. In cases where their child may need extra help in managing stress or trauma, parents should explore the option of seeking therapy. Taking early action to provide timely intervention can help mitigate the progression of symptoms over time and lower the likelihood of emergency department visits and admissions.
Many school districts offer services to support student mental health. See if Hazel is in your district.
Additional resources for families:
- How do I talk to my kids about violence in the news? and Explaining the News to Our Kids: These two guides from Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that examines the impact of technology on children, provide age-appropriate tips on how to talk to kids about what's happening in the news.
- How to talk to your children about conflict and war: This guide from UNICEF provides eight tips on supporting and comforting children when war dominates the headlines.
- Supporting Youth Affected by the Violence in Israel and Gaza: Tips for Families and Educators
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers: recommendations from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
We asked a few of our therapists for their favorite mindfulness and gratitude exercises to do with young people. Here’s what they recommend:
- Every day, write down 3 things you are grateful for in a journal
- Give thanks with a gratitude jar or gratitude tree
- Check out guided meditations and mindfulness through Smiling Mind, Calm or Headspace (free options on Youtube: Smiling Mind, Calm, Headspace)
- For young children, practice Still Quiet Place mindfulness activities
In a world overwhelmed by violence and digital exposure, protecting and supporting young people is paramount. Whether as parents, family members, educators, or healthcare professionals, we can help guide young people through the emotional challenges they face and remind them that it’s okay to need help coping. By fostering open communication, promoting media literacy, and being vigilant for signs of distress, we can help young people navigate an often tumultuous world with resilience and hope.
