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
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. From school shootings to armed conflicts, experts warn that the repercussions of consuming this content can worsen anxiety, 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. Primero, practique el cuidado personal
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 cases where it's not:
- Deje de seguir cuentas específicas.
- Establezca límites de tiempo de la exposición.
- Implemente controles parentales adecuados.
3. Ayúdeles a comprender qué información es errónea y cuál no lo es
Incluso en tiempos de paz, la desinformación se propaga de forma desenfrenada a través de las redes sociales y los medios de comunicación. Durante los tiempos de conflicto, es muy importante poder descifrar qué es real y qué no, es decir, comprender qué es lo que se está sacando de contexto o describiendo de forma errónea. En un video viral, se muestra cómo un luchador dispara desde un helicóptero, pero es un fragmento del videojuego Arma 3. En otro, se muestra la violencia de los conflictos en Oriente Medio que, en realidad, es un video que se filmó en Guatemala en 2015.
Ayude a los jóvenes a navegar entre la desinformación de la siguiente manera:
- Distinga entre fuentes confiables y no confiables en las redes sociales.
- Ofrezca orientación sobre la verificación de datos.
- Fostering open discussions about the content they encounter
4. Busque cambios en el comportamiento.
It's crucial to closely monitor a child's behavior for any regressive signs that might signify stress or trauma. Depending on age, these indicators may include behaviors like:
- Chuparse el dedo
- Pedir si puede dormir en la cama de la madre o el padre
- Llanto intensificado
- A decline in academic performance
- Molestias físicas, como dolores de cabeza o de estómago
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritabilidad o enfado inexplicables
- Resistencia a asistir a actividades o reuniones sociales en las que suelen participar.
Los padres deben mantener la comunicación con la escuela de sus hijos, incluidos docentes y orientadores. Si un hijo necesitan ayuda adicional para manejar el estrés o el trauma, los padres deben considerar la terapia como una opción. Tomar medidas tempranas para ofrecer una intervención oportuna puede ayudar a disminuir el progreso de los síntomas a lo largo del tiempo y reducir la probabilidad de visitas al departamento de emergencias.
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.
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