Following Up When Kids Are Struggling with Events in the News

After exposure to difficult events, like those covered in the news, children and teenagers’ behavior can show they are struggling or stressed, like when they have:

• Strong Emotional Reactions and Changes in Mood
• Increased Worries Around Safety
• Nightmares and Trouble Falling Asleep
• Thoughts About Events That Distract or Make it Hard to Concentrate

For caregivers, the ability to observe their child or teen’s behaviors and notice differences, like in their mood or sleep, can let caregivers know to follow-up and offer support. How caregivers follow up with their kids can depend on the behaviors that stood out and the goal for that check-in. Some examples might include:

To Invite a Child to Share Instead of Isolate

• “I noticed you left the room when everyone started talking about the protests. It’s just us now if you want to talk. What’s on your mind?”

To Check-in After Time to Process

• “I’ve been thinking about what we talked about earlier. How are you feeling about it now?”

To Create a Norm of Making Sense of Events Together

• “Have you heard anything else about that news story? Here’s what I read. What do you think? What other questions can you think of? Where else should we look for more information?”

To Raise a Concern through an Observation

• “You seem a little quieter today and I know it was hard to fall sleep last night. Are you still thinking about what we talked about?”