10 Tips for Talking to Teenagers About Conflict, War, and Disturbing Global Events
In a world filled with global conflicts and unsettling news, many parents will be wanting to have conversations about these complex topics with their teens.
Engaging in such discussions can be challenging, but they are important for helping teenagers understand the world around them and develop critical thinking skills. Here are some top tips on how to approach these conversations.
- Create a Safe and Open Environment
The first step in discussing sensitive topics with your teen is to establish a safe and open environment. Ensure that your teenager feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions with you and are able to ask questions without fear of judgment or criticism. There are no stupid questions!
Let them know that you are open and available for such conversations and that you are there to listen and provide as much guidance as you can. If your teen feels that you are empathetic and interested in engaging with world news, they may be more likely to look to you for support, rather than solely relying on information shared amongst their social circles and media outlets.
- Initiate Age-Appropriate Conversations
Try to tailor your conversations to your teen's age and maturity level. As their parent, you're the best person to gauge this and to take their level of comprehension and disposition into account. While most teens, regardless of their age, will have plenty of questions regarding current, widespread news, but younger teenagers may need more basic explanations. Older teens might be ready for more in-depth discussions and present you with more nuanced questions and responses. It's best to ask open-ended questions and encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings.
- Educate Yourself
Before talking to your teenager about global events, take some time to educate yourself on the topic at hand. Update yourself with information from reliable news sources and read expert opinions to gain a balanced and well-informed perspective. This will help you provide accurate information and context during your discussions.
- Stick to Facts
As much as possible, when discussing disturbing global news and complicated conflicts, focus on presenting facts without imposing personal opinions or biases. This is easier said than done, particularly if the news affects you on a personal level. You might find that by sticking to verified information and avoiding speculative or sensationalised details, you're able to better manage your and your child's mental wellbeing in the process. It's important to encourage your teenager to think critically and ask questions.
- Encourage Critical Thinking
Teach your teenager to think critically about the information they encounter. With social media, podcasts and online forums, many unqualified and/or uneducated people with many different agendas and biases have a platform to spread misinformation. Discuss the importance of verifying sources, fact-checking, and considering multiple viewpoints. Help them develop the skills to discern between reliable and unreliable information.
- Address Emotions
Teenagers may experience a wide range of emotions when discussing global events. Encourage them to express their feelings and validate their emotions. Remember that they are less accustomed to shocking news than adults, and their reactions may reflect this. Together, you can discuss and practice coping strategies, such as deep breathing, meditation, any religious practices or rituals that you perform as a family such as the lighting of candles or prayer, or seeking support from friends or professionals if needed. It may even be worth taking a break from the news if it begins to become all-consuming. Teach your child that it's okay not to engage with news that leaves them feeling anxious or stressed as an act of self-care.
- Consider Perspectives
It's important to emphasise the complexity of global conflicts and the multitude of factors and nuances involved. Encourage your teenager to consider the perspectives and motivations of all parties involved. When it comes to conflicts and wars, many things can be true at the same time - making these situations complex and far from black and white.
- Highlight Acts of Humanity
While global events can be distressing, it's important to also discuss acts of kindness, compassion, and unity that emerge in response to these situations. Show your teen that there is hope and goodness in the world, even in the face of adversity. Together, you might even discuss how you as a family can extend this goodness to your community.
- Stay Informed Together
Consider watching or reading the news with your teenager to facilitate ongoing conversations. This can help you both stay informed and offer opportunities to address any questions or concerns that may arise.
