From the Counselling Team 

Time to check in with your kids

Ideas to support young people to cope with confronting online images and content, specifically the Israel-Hamas conflict.

With most young people plugged in to the internet on a daily basis, the risk of exposure to confronting and traumatizing images is increasingly common via platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. Right now is a good time to check in with them around what they are seeing online, and how they are doing. 

Just as adults are at risk of being traumatized by images and videos of war and conflict, children are also at risk. Dr Michelle Kees, a clinical psychologist, suggests that more and more, children are being exposed to the same information as adults. The issue with this is that we know young people are less equipped to be able to process and make sense of this content. Children may interpret the news as personal and worry that things they see might happen to them and their families.

'Research has shown us over the last several decades that exposure to war, violence and media violence, has a significant negative impact on children, and is linked with some of the same kinds of mental health effects that we've seen for people who've actually experienced trauma,' she said. 'We know that children who watched a tremendous amount of this particular media coverage later report greater symptoms of anxiety and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress.' 

To help young people cope with the visuals they're being exposed to, experts suggest limiting exposure for younger children and having conversations with older children and teenagers about the conflict. Sapna Shetty, a family therapist at Nationwide Children's Hospital, said communication is key because chances are kids are being exposed to images and videos outside of home, potentially at school or with their friends. 'It's already there, they're thinking about these things, and rather than waiting for them to reach out to you when they're super stressed, it's better to do some preventative work,' she said. 

Some further suggestions;

• Assure young people of their own safety.
• Have a good understanding of the facts yourself.
• Have conversations. Kids can handle tough topics, just keep it age appropriate (you know your child best).
• Limit exposure by reducing time on social media- adults can model this. Experts are currently recommending young people under 13 stay off social media.
• Activate restricted modes that blur disturbing images, turn off auto-play in social apps and encourage your kids to discuss what they encounter.
• Remind young people to ‘think critically’ and be sceptical of misinformation. The CEO’s of TikTok, Facebook and X are all being challenged currently about spreading of misinformation and posting of graphic images on their platforms.
• Give hope – our own feelings of disillusionment are easily transmitted to our kids. Help them to learn more about what they can do to help which can grow feelings of hope.

For support and further information please see esafetyCommissioner website;

https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/illegal-restricted-content/distressing-content

Mrs Joe McCarthy - College Psychologist