What to Do When the News Scares You

Why It Matters

With children’s exposure to distressing news rising, the guide equips parents to mitigate anxiety and foster resilience, supporting overall public mental‑health outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• APA guide teaches kids to contextualize frightening news
• Provides calming techniques like breathing and safe‑space discussions
• Recommends age‑appropriate explanations to reduce anxiety
• Offers parents printable worksheets and conversation prompts
• Links to APA’s broader mental‑health resources for families

Pulse Analysis

In today’s hyper‑connected world, children encounter alarming headlines and graphic footage far earlier than previous generations. Studies from the Pew Research Center show that 70% of teens feel “overwhelmed” by news on social platforms, a trend linked to heightened stress and sleep disturbances. Parents and educators therefore need evidence‑based tools that translate complex events into understandable narratives without amplifying fear.

The APA’s revised guide, “What to Do When the News Scares You,” fills that gap by combining developmental psychology with practical coping strategies. It outlines step‑by‑step conversation frameworks, encourages the use of breathing exercises, and supplies printable worksheets that prompt children to express emotions through drawing or journaling. By tailoring language to specific age groups, the guide helps kids differentiate between immediate threats and broader societal issues, reducing the likelihood of chronic anxiety.

Beyond the immediate toolkit, the resource signals a larger shift toward proactive mental‑health education. APA’s endorsement lends credibility, encouraging schools and pediatric practices to integrate the guide into wellness curricula. As media consumption continues to rise, such resources become essential for building emotional resilience in the next generation. Families seeking comprehensive support can explore APA’s online portal for additional webinars, therapist directories, and research briefs, ensuring that children not only survive the news cycle but develop the confidence to navigate it responsibly.

Original Description

What to Do When the News Scares You provides a way to help children put scary events into perspective. And, if children start to worry or become anxious about things they’ve heard, there are ideas to help them calm down and cope. Learn more at https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/what-to-do-when-the-news-scares-your-revised-edition

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The American Psychological Association is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 157,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members.

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