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. 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 cases where it's not:
- Unfollow specific accounts
- Set time limits on exposure
- Implement appropriate parental controls
3. Help them 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 claiming to show violence from conflict in the Middle East that's actually a video filmed in Guatemala in 2015.
Helping young people navigate through misinformation includes:
- Distinguishing between credible and unreliable sources on social media
- Offering guidance on fact-checking
- Fostering open discussions about the content they encounter
4. Look for changes in behavior.
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:
- 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
- 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. In cases where a 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.
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.
