Experts on how to talk with kids about violence in the news: ‘No topic is off limits’

Here is a 200-word summary of the news article: Experts Advise on Discussing Violence in the News with Children With the proliferation of disturbing content online, experts are providing guidance on how parents and caregivers can talk to children about upsetting news and media. The Guardian interviewed several professionals, including therapists, media experts, and journalists, on this topic. They emphasize that no subject is off-limits, and that open, age-appropriate conversations are crucial. Experts recommend starting these discussions early, as young children are often exposed to distressing information. They advise parents to first understand the child's level of awareness and emotional maturity, then tailor the conversation accordingly. Key advice includes: validating children's feelings, limiting exposure to graphic content, encouraging critical media consumption, and modeling healthy coping mechanisms. Experts caution against dismissing or shielding children from difficult realities, as this can be detrimental to their development. Overall, the experts stress the importance of creating a safe space for children to process disturbing news. With the right guidance, these conversations can help build resilience and foster media literacy skills that will serve children well into the future.