Media's Effect on Childhood Development and How Parents Can Cope with It

With all the recent catastrophic events occurring, being reported, catastrophic events being predicted, it raises the question of how our children are being affected. Think the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, attacks in Libya, and continuing violence throughout the Middle East; not to mention the crimes committed at home. Not only are our televisions being blown up with images depicting the horrors and destruction at home and overseas, but when the news stations aren't occupied with this, they're showing possible consequences for those in other parts of the world. News stations and analysts are predicting disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and fall-out radiation for those on the U.S Pacific coasts. Schools are installing metal detectors to sift weapons out of kid's backpacks. Middle East violence has airport security at an all time high. Words like "fear" and "anxiety" are constantly being used to describe the mental situation of citizens in countries around the world who are being told that their family could be the next to experience a catastrophe. So, if adults are already fear and anxiety ridden, how might a child be reacting? And how might adult reactions be affecting the child's reaction?

While a child's world is often full of wonder and curiosity, it can also be full of fear, uncertainty, and anxiety surrounding the lack of experience and understanding of the world. While it is typical for a child to experience some fear with learning about their surroundings, these fears can be fashioned into an actual anxiety disorder if proper care and consideration is not taken in dealing with them. Take, for example, separation anxiety; it's a common issue for young children, especially infants not used to being away from their parents. While other causes can be a factor, this sort of anxiety primarily comes about during a major life change such as changes with parents, moving, going to school or changing schools, etc (Comer, 2005). These may be common life changes, but a child lacking life experiences may find them extremely disturbing. This is also why psychologists recommend socializing a child early, getting them used to new places, things, and people in order to avoid panic when life changes occur.

So then, how do we protect and prepare children for tragedies that occur on a global scale and trickle down to affect everyday life at home? Comer (2005) notes that even emergency preparedness techniques may encourage panic and anxiety, citing earthquake duck and cover drills as an example. Imagine being drilled over and over for expected quakes. Even as an adult you begin to fear the possibility of an oncoming quake. While being prepared is a good thing, having it always on your mind isn't; and of late many people in earthquake ridden areas around the world have spent a great deal of time, money, and energy on this very topic. Now imagine being a child and experiencing this level of panic and consumption with emergency preparedness. Unlike an adult, children lack the experience, maturity, and self-reliance to deal with what even what even typical, healthy, adults are struggling with.

The first important front in this battle for mental control and calm in the face of adversity happens on the home front. Comer (2005) notes that "if, for example, parents typically react to events with high levels of anxiety or overprotect their child, the child may be more likely to develop anxiety problems." Thus, both over-panicking and over-sheltering a child can breed anxiety in the child about their life situation.

In order to properly deal with children's fears concerning recent catastrophes and the onslaught of reports preaching impending tragedies, parents of children of all ages need to model good behavior and coping skills. Show your child that having fears is normal and okay, but they do not need to take over your life. As the Center for Effective Parenting (1997) states, opening lines of discussion can also be a very effective method for coping with and alleviating fears in children. Often times we try too hard to over-shelter or dismiss a child's fear in hopes that it will all go away by itself. However, doing this will only make things worse, and like any adult more often than not, a child simply needs to talk about what is going on. Ask them why they are afraid, what specifically makes them feel fear. Be sure they know that you are always there to talk about what is bothering them. This not only models that you're able and willing to talk, but that you believe it will help. After time, the child will take on this same model as a healthy outlet for facing and dealing with fears. It is important that you don't try to hide the facts, give your child age-appropriate information concerning recent events. Let them know what is happening and continue to talk to your child and make them feel secure that you have things handled and they need not fear for their safety. Gallagher & Chase (N.d) also adds that play and art activities can help children to better cope with and work through their fears. Not only do these sorts of activities aid in alleviating fears, but they can also help a child relax and put their mind on something other than their fears and anxieties.

Another at-home tactic is to eliminate "scaring" a child into obedience (Gallagher & Chase, N.d). This is particularly important in times like our current uncertain global situation because scaring a child into obedience tends to create undue fear. Why add to a child's uncertainties? A parent should comfort and protect, not scare. While we may find it amusing now and again to tell a child that doing something will result in very scary consequences, we need to remember that that fear may be very real and it isn't always a joke to them. Again, no need to over-shelter or lose all humor, simply be mindful of the sorts of things you say so as not to create extra anxieties.

While this is common sense, it is worth noting that parents should limit television and other media exposure to an age-appropriate level. News break and headlines are reported constantly, and the more the child is exposed to every new development and seeing all the horrific images of the disaster the more fearful they're going to be. Limit the amount of time a child watches television, or watch a DVD instead.

Lastly, keep in mind that not all fears and anxieties surface right away. Be sure to watch for any signs of anxiety. Children exhibit anxiety in inattentiveness, regression in developmental stages, and changes in eating habits. Watch for these things and if they surface, try and ease the child into talking or otherwise expressing themselves. Don't force them to confront their fears all at once, simply ease them into it. Let them feel that they are in control of the situation and that you are simply there to help.

While today's times feel uncertain and often scary, we can do a lot to aid our children in growing up mentally stable and healthy in the face of it all. If serious issues arise, have a child see a professional who may better be able to advise you on methods for helping them. Otherwise, model the behavior you want to see in your child, talk, and encouraging relaxing activities and time away from the stresses of life. Gallagher & Chase (N.d) notes that children have an amazing ability to bounce back from tragedy, and that following simple techniques for aiding that bounce back can find a child back in a good mental state and succeeding at life.

References:

Center for Effective Parenting. (1997). General Fears in Children.

Comer, R.J. (2005). Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology. Worth Publishers.

Gallagher, R. & Chase, A. (N.d). Building Resilience in Children in the Face of Fear and Tragedy.

http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/building_resilience_in_children_in_face_fear_tragedy http://www.parenting-ed.org/handout3/Specific%20Concerns%20and%20Problems/general%20fears.htm