Since the flair up of the conflict in the Gaza strip more war-related questions have infiltrated my school workshops.
This last question was asked by a girl in Grade 3.
Children are exposed to the conflict through the media they consume, conversations that adults have over their heads and snippets overheard at school.
Seeing as children have more access to information than ever before, it has become imperative to have open conversations at home about the things they may be seeing on their screens. Additionally, you can manage your child’s exposure by monitoring their platforms.
Here is how:
NURSERY SCHOOL TO 8 Y/O
Manage the media:
If your child enjoys watching YouTube clips it is worthwhile to switch them to YouTube Kids, during the crises. Although no internet filter is full proof, they are less likely to be exposed to violent or upsetting content on YouTube Kids than on YouTube.
Chat it over:
In this age bracket you should only discuss the conflict if the child asks you about it. It is not necessary to raise the subject unless they have heard something or feel worried. Give the child factual information but reassure with personal value.
Always close the chat with an invitation to discuss it further should they need to.
8-10 YEARS OLD
Manage the media:
If your child is watching YouTube clips it is worth while to either switch them to YouTube Kids. If this is not possible you can watch the following video to safeguard their YouTube consumption:
Chat it over:
Children in this age bracket might have more specific questions about the conflict. It is good to give them factual answers without gory details.
Child: “Why are they fighting?”
Caregiver: “They are fighting about who should be in charge.”
Again, remember to reassure the child and set the stage for open discussion in the future.
10-13 YEARS OLD
Manage the media:
If your child is on social media platforms such as Instagram, SnapChat and TikTok they have a much higher risk of being exposed to harmful and damaging videos and imagery than those who are not.
Screen Smarts recommends that these accounts be removed from the child’s device until they are emotionally equipped to deal with the content they will be exposed to on these platforms.
Children in this age bracket are more curious than their younger siblings and may want to search for information online. It is a good idea to encourage them to “Google Me” instead.
Chat it over:
With this age group it is better to start by asking them what they already know. Then from there you can manage misconceptions. Oftentimes, in this age group, children exaggerate events to one another. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and fear. It is important to be honest but also to reassure your child.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Manage the media:
It is harder to shield adolescents from upsetting content as they consume more media from a larger variety of sources. However, adolescents can still find voilent content deeply troubling and exposure can still impact them long term.
Therefore, filtering software is a great solution at this age. Most internet filters such as Bark, Qustodio and NetNanny allows you to set controls so vital information can still be accessed but without the plethora of gory imagery and violent videos.
Chat it over:
Children in this age group can also be taught about the danger of fake news and polarisation on social media platforms. Explain to your child how social media brackets you into a specific echo chamber where your own opinions are fed back to you.
Teach them to find information from trusted online resources as opposed to being influenced by the unqualified opinions of social media influencers.
Have fact-based discussions with your teenager about the conflict, address concerns and brainstorm solutions. As a parent it is okay to admit to not having all the answers.
Think through the problem with your child and invite discourse.
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