HEALTH MATTERS
Dr. Madhurani Khare
Children of all ages have an ever-increasing accessibility to
disturbing and tragic news and media images. For the children’s sake, it is important
that parents and educators be aware of the potential for news and images to spark
anxiety, poor behavior, even depression.
While it is not possible to shelter children from such information
and images, it is possible to limit their exposure and to facilitate age-appropriate
conversation.
For example, children younger than 6 have no clear understanding
of what war is. They should not be watching television news coverage at all. If
they ask questions about what is happening with the country and the war, it is
best to answer simply in a good-vs.-bad fashion. Avoid going into too many details,
as this age group will not be able to differentiate between something that is
happening around the world and something that may happen in their own neighborhood.
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"Try to be patient if you find that you are asked the same questions repeatedly this is a child’s way of dealing with disturbing information." Madhurani Khare, M.D.
Psychiatrist Princeton House The Medical al Center at Princeton
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For those families where a parent may be actively involved in
military duty, it is important to recognize that the anxiety level of all the
family members will be much greater. While it is likely necessary to share a few
more details, it is best to avoid watching any television coverage. It is best
for parents and educators to be available to answer questions. Don’t make the
subject taboo, just keep it simple.
Schools, including nursery and pre-school programs, have recently
put emergency procedures in place. These procedures often involve outward signs
such as teacher identification badges, camera, or new arrival and dismissal rules.
In all of these instances, even for children between 4 and 6,
it is a good idea for their teachers to talk with the children about the emergency
procedures that are in place without dwelling on the implications or detailing
the possible dangers.
Elementary school age children (roughly 7- to 11-year olds)
have a much clearer understanding of possible dangers, including war news and
terrorist threats. Because it can increase anxiety to learn only part of the bigger
picture, it is important to be open with these ages and be available to talk.
While there are no wrong ways to have a discussion, it may be
helpful for adults to acknowledge their own sense of vulnerability and to find
out exactly what details a child knows. Because children in school have access
to computers, they may be much more news-savvy than you would imagine.
When a child speaks, listen without interrupting or passing
judgment. After this is done, correct any inaccuracies and be reassuring. It is
not unusual for children to mix unrelated events in their minds, such as the recent
Columbia shuttle disaster and the war in Iraq.
When responding to a child’s concerns, be honest and reassuring.
Try to be patient if you find that you are asked the same questions repeatedly
this is a child’s way of dealing with disturbing information.
Just as some children are only too eager to talk about death
and destruction, others may withdraw. If this is the case, don’t force children
to discuss issues such as terrorism or war or make children feel like they are
insensitive or uncaring for not wanting to talk.
Children between 10 and 12 typically understand the threat of
global dangers such as various countries’ nuclear capabilities. Again, be open
and honest and consider delving into a topic together. Take this as an opportunity
to have a geography and world history lesson and to bring unfamiliar world peoples
and places into view. This is also the time to counteract any feelings of prejudice
and steer them in a more accepting and positive direction.
For teenagers, it is much harder to restrict images, although
it is helpful to try to monitor them and set limits about time spent in front
of the television or computer. Children in this age group often feel a need to
act. If so, encourage them to get involved in community or religious activities.
Some children may become so troubled that they may exhibit warning
signs. If you have contact with a child who has difficulty concentrating in school,
who has trouble sleeping or has nightmares, who no longer takes an interest in
friends and usual activities and/or seems preoccupied with death of self or family,
address these needs with formal counseling.
Dr. Madhurani Khare is board-certified in Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry
and is on staff at Princeton House, the behavioral health unit of The Medical
Center at Princeton. This article was prepared in collaboration with Lorraine
Seabrook.

