Challenging Times
Like many teenagers, Jeremy Lancaster, age 17, once enjoyed keeping up with the latest trends on social media. But these days, his mood has shifted, as news about climate change, political tensions, and global conflicts dominate his feed. “Every time I look at my phone, there’s a new disaster,” Jeremy says.
As concerns about the environment, ongoing wars, and upcoming elections intensify, many teens like Jeremy are finding it difficult to escape the constant flow of alarming headlines. With 80% of Americans owning a smartphone, it’s no surprise that teens are overwhelmed by the 24/7 news cycle. The near-constant exposure to real-world crises is contributing to rising levels of anxiety among young people.
The Impact of Constant Exposure to Distressing News
A recent study from the American Psychological Association found that nearly 40% of teens are feeling stressed about the future of the country, with many reporting that climate change, political divisions, and the threat of war are major sources of their anxiety.
As parents, it’s essential to recognize that this barrage of disaster news can worsen anxiety, especially in teens, who may be more prone to catastrophic thinking. While we want to keep our children informed about the world around them, we also need to create a balance that helps them feel secure, rather than overwhelmed.
What you can do to help.
Here are three effective strategies to help guide your teen through these challenging times:
1. Consume News Together
Watching or reading the news alone can feel overwhelming, especially for teens. One way to help your teen process what’s going on in the world is by consuming news together. By doing this, you can control what they are exposed to and offer context when necessary.
Setting time limits for news and social media consumption, especially before bed, can also help reduce stress. Encourage your teen to explore reliable news sources that focus on facts rather than sensationalism, and discuss current events openly. This way, you can gauge how they’re processing the news and provide a safe space for conversation.
2. Listen, Don’t Fix
While it may be tempting to reassure your teen or downplay their concerns, it’s more important to listen. Avoid jumping in with solutions or brushing off their fears. Teens often need to feel heard and validated. Instead of offering quick fixes, focus on creating a trusting environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their anxieties.
Acknowledging their feelings and keeping an open dialogue shows them that you’re there for support, rather than trying to “fix” them. This approach helps build resilience and emotional strength.
3. Encourage Action and Perspective
When everything feels out of control, one of the best ways to help a teen feel more empowered is by taking action. If your teen is anxious about climate change, for example, look for ways to get involved in local environmental initiatives or volunteer opportunities. This can turn passive despair into proactive involvement, making them feel less helpless.
Additionally, encourage your teen to look at different perspectives on an issue. Not every piece of news or commentary is balanced, and helping them recognize bias and opposing viewpoints can foster critical thinking and reduce anxiety.
Conclusion
As the pace of unsettling global events continues to rise, from climate crises to political instability, it’s more important than ever to develop healthy ways to communicate with your teen. By working together to limit exposure, encouraging open discussion, and promoting small steps toward positive action, you can help your child cope with the anxiety of constant disaster news.
For more information, reach out.