Wellbeing Way

Talking with Young Women About What They're Hearing in the News

Recent media coverage and public conversations may have prompted questions, concerns, or strong emotions for many young people. While our daughters may not always seek out this information, they are often exposed to it through social media, conversations with friends, and the news cycle around them. The current news cycle does not offer many good news stories, with conflict in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere and a range of stories that reflect misogyny and violence towards women and young girls at the hands of men and boys.

As parents, it can be tempting to shield our daughters from difficult topics. However, these moments can provide valuable opportunities to listen, connect, and help young women make sense of what they are hearing. Rather than focusing solely on the details of a particular news story, consider exploring the bigger questions it raises about relationships, character, decision-making, and the way we treat one another.

When speaking with your daughter, start with curiosity. Ask what she has heard, what she thinks, and how it makes her feel. Creating space for open, judgement-free conversations helps young people feel safe to ask questions, express concerns, and develop confidence in their own views.

Raising empowered young women is about more than preparing them to navigate challenges. It is about helping them develop a strong sense of who they are and providing opportunities for them to express their thoughts, challenge ideas, and contribute meaningfully to conversations around them.

In a world where the news cycle can feel relentless, home remains one of the most important places for young people to process what they are seeing and hearing. Through simple conversations, shared values, and everyday moments of connection, families can help young women develop the confidence and perspective to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

It is also important to recognise that constant exposure to difficult news can be emotionally draining. Encouraging young people to balance their engagement with current events and social media by spending time with friends and family, engaging in activities they enjoy, and maintaining routines that support wellbeing can help them maintain perspective during challenging times.

Ultimately, these conversations are not just about helping young people understand current events. They are about strengthening connection, fostering self-awareness, and giving young women the confidence to navigate an increasingly complex world with thoughtfulness, compassion, and a strong sense of self.