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Why you should talk to your kids about the news 

Avoiding difficult topics is a poor choice if you want to create a sense of safety.

Two adults and two children sit on a bench talking beside a tall green hedge.
It may be tempting to avoid discussing complicated news stories. That's a bad idea, according to researcher Geir Christian Johannessen.
Gaute Bugge Drangsholt COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER
Presented by: Presented by: Presented by: University of Agder
Published

“When children first hear about a crisis on TikTok or in the school playground, they need the adults around them to offer an explanation. They pick up fragments, but they need help to understand the bigger picture,” says Geir Christian Johannessen, a researcher at the University of Agder. 

Johannessen studies how the Norwegian broadcasting corporation NRK’s news programme for children, Supernytt, communicates news to young viewers. 

The target group for the programme is children aged 8 to 12, and the broadcasts are frequently used in schools.

Put the story into context

The news cycle is increasingly dominated by major, demanding issues. It's therefore always relevant to consider how adults can talk with children about complex and sometimes distressing stories in a constructive manner.

Portrait photo of man smiling
Years of research on Supernytt have given Geir Christian Johannessen extensive insight into how news can be communicated to children in an effective way.

“We need to help by placing the stories in context. What has happened? Why has it happened? Is this dangerous for us? Without these answers, the imagination takes over – and it often creates far more frightening images than reality,” Johannessen says.

When shielding children from such stories is no longer possible in a fully digitalised society, the task becomes explaining it. But how? 

Johannessen’s years of studying the content and principles behind children’s news programmes have given him some fundamental guidelines. 

He offers the following advice:

  • Get an overview of the issue
  • Start with what the child already knows
  • Talk about feelings
  • Avoid details. Speak simply and directly
  • Highlight the positive aspects of the story

Get an overview

"It's often wise to wait to have the conversation until you yourself have a clear understanding of the situation. This makes it easier to put the story into context," he says.

It may also be useful to check news outlets that specialise in presenting news to children. 

"See what you can learn from the choices they make," he says.

Start with what the child already knows

It's sensible to begin by going through what the children have heard, the researcher explains. 

"This gives you feedback on what they know, and it becomes easier to spot any misunderstandings. It's also helpful to explore any images or video clips that may have made a strong impression," says Johannessen.

There is a high likelihood that something has already circulated on social media.

Explore the feelings

"Ask: 'What do you think about this? Does it make you feel scared?' Try to understand their emotional response," he says.

It's important to acknowledge the feelings children express:

"If they find something difficult, confusing, or frightening, you can reassure them that such reactions are completely normal in these situations," he says.

Avoid details. Speak simply and directly

“You don't need to go into dramatic detail about every possible aspect, but you should still provide enough for children to understand what the issue is about,” the researcher says.

When Supernytt is currently covering the Marius Borg Høiby court case, it includes topics such as rape and abuse. 

"These are particularly challenging subjects to discuss with children. Using simple language, Supernytt answers questions like 'What is rape?' The programme does not shy away from the uncomfortable, yet it avoids complicated words and expressions," he says.

Highlight the positive

To reduce fear, it can also be helpful to point out whether the news story helps someone, the researcher believes.

What gives us hope or someone to root for? Is anything positive happening in this situation? 

"You might, for example, emphasise that those who have experienced something painful are now being heard, and that this may give them hope for justice," he says.

Johannessen believes that all of this, taken together, will help us raise children who are better equipped to understand the world around them. 

He also emphasises that the content of the conversation must be adapted to the child’s age. News programmes for children are primarily aimed at those aged 7–8 and older.

References:

Alon-Tirosh, M. Children and news: Opinions of children’s news program creators in Israel, Journal of Children and Media, vol. 11, 2017. DOI: 10.1080/17482798.2017.1302489

Kleemans, M. & Tamboer, S. Consolation Strategies in Children’s Television News: A Longitudinal Content Analysis, Journalism Practice, vol. 16, 2022. DOI: 10.1080/17512786.2021.1901600

Lorgen, L.C. Nyheter for barn og forestillinger om barndom. Barns erfaringer og Supernytts tekstlige strategier, Doctoral thesis at the University of Bergen, 2019.

Mensonides et al. Playful Citizens: How Children Develop and Integrate News-Related Practices in Their Daily Lives, Journalism Studies, vol. 25, 2024. DOI: 10.1080/1461670X.2024.2401396

Strohmaier, P. 'How TV Producers Dealt With the War in Iraq in Children’s Programs', In Lemish, D. & Götz, M. (Eds.) 'Children and Media in Times of Conflict and War', Hampton Press, 2007.

Van Der Molen et al. Television News and Fear: A Child Survey, Communications, vol. 27, 2002. DOI: 10.1515/comm.27.3.303

Van Der Molen, J.H.W. & De Vries, M. Violence and consolation: September 11th 2001 covered by the Dutch children’s news, Journal of Educational Media, 2003. DOI: 10.1080/1358165032000156400

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Read the Norwegian version of this article on forskning.no

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