Eleven-year-old Courtney Spann has been paying attention to the news since he was 6. At first, it was the weather that caught his eye; later, his interests expanded to crime and public safety. By age 7 or 8, he refused to go to bed without watching the 10 p.m. news — a routine he still follows.
His mother, Jasmine Spann, would prefer to shield her son from stories about frightening news events, but she knows that’s nearly impossible. Instead, she sits down with him and talks through what he’s seen.
“We can’t shelter him,” she said. “We discuss what he saw on the news. It’s better they understand what’s going on in their community and in the world.”
[Dr. Candice Cox] suggests teens consider a few questions before opening themselves up to receive negative news, asking for example, “Am I in a good space to hear this right now?”
With today’s media environment, children are constantly exposed to chilling headlines. They see news alerts on their phones, catch glimpses of coverage on TV or overhear conversations at school. Much of the news is about horrific events, like school shootings, terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
Experts say the key is not to shield kids entirely but to guide them in processing news in ways that are age-appropriate, reassuring and constructive, much like Spann’s approach to Courtney’s news habits.
Dr. Candice Cox, founder of KHAOS Inc., advises parents and caregivers to create an emotional space before consuming the news and to help teens gauge whether they’re ready to engage. She suggests teens consider a few questions before opening themselves up to receive negative news, asking for example, “Am I in a good space to hear this right now?”
“That small act of self-awareness helps them regulate their emotions instead of being overwhelmed by them,” Cox said.
Teens should take in information in manageable doses, reflect on their feelings and participate in RAW conversations (Realize, Admit, Work Through) to process emotions safely, she said.
“Action restores a sense of control,” Cox said, suggesting youth participate in small acts like joining a community project or practicing kindness.
Courtney’s mother intervened early, always taking his weather questions seriously. “She would tell me the storm would just pass over,” Courtney said. “But I wanted to be ready.”
His curiosity has sometimes heightened his anxiety, especially after reports of local crimes or national tragedies. After hearing about local murders, he often thought about ways to avoid dangerous situations. He admits that watching the news at such a young age has heightened his anxiety, but he feels better being informed.
The Sept. 10 assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk especially troubled Courtney, who said the idea of someone being harmed “just for saying what he believes” was hard to process. Yet he also admits he is starting to feel numb when he hears about violence or tragedies.
Spann’s solution is to watch alongside her son.
“If they have questions, you can address them in real time,” she said. Courtney agrees. “If you’re watching the news with your kids, don’t skip over things. Inform them about what’s happening and answer their questions.”
It’s also OK to remind them to unplug and step away, turning off the TV, muting notifications or doing a fun activity, Cox said. This will protect their peace so they can come back stronger, she said.
Experts say the best place to start is with a conversation. Children often piece together bits of information from friends or snippets of coverage, so giving them a chance to explain what they already know allows parents to clear up misunderstandings. Simple, direct answers work best for younger children, while older kids may need more guidance in sorting fact from rumor.
For pre-teens and teenagers, conversations may need to go further. The American Psychological Association recommends asking what they are seeing on social media, how they feel about it and what their peers are posting. These questions invite teens to think critically about the information they consume instead of processing it in isolation.
Some parents worry that difficult discussions could erode childhood innocence. But experts caution that silence can be more harmful. Children already live in a world where they practice lockdown drills at school, acknowledge Indigenous land in morning announcements, and welcome refugee classmates. Honest conversations help them connect these daily experiences to the larger world in a way that feels safe and guided.
Not every child is drawn to the news, but when curiosity arises, it can be an opportunity. Listening, reassuring and encouraging thoughtful reflection helps young people navigate a complicated world. These conversations not only build resilience but also remind kids that even in tragedy, there is always help — and always hope.