War news flooding TVs? Don't shun kids, guide them: Experts
Nagpur: With tension rising at the border and continuous war updates dominating television screens, many parents are choosing to keep their children away from the news. However, psychiatrists, teachers, and media experts believe that instead of shielding kids entirely, this is the time to guide them with facts, awareness, and inspiration.Dr Manish Thakre, head of the Psychiatry Department at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), told TOI that children should not be discouraged from learning about the current situation.
"Don't keep them completely unaware or push them away from the news. Explain it in simple, age-appropriate terms, and make it clear that this is not a war against any religion or country — it's a war against terrorism," he said.Dr Thakre also added that while children below the age of 13 may not be deeply affected by news coverage, teenagers are more likely to overthink or internalise the situation. "So, we must keep them both aware and emotionally alert without creating panic," said Dr Thakre.Dr Sonakshi Jyrwa, associate professor of psychiatry at AIIMS Nagpur, pointed out that the situation is stressful not only for children but also for adults because this generation is experiencing the war-like situation for the first time. "Even the elderly should avoid overexposure to news. Limit TV time and avoid believing or forwarding unverified messages on WhatsApp. It's always better to follow only official govt sources for reliable updates," she advised.Aditya Deshkar, a city-based school teacher, said the moment can be used to instil values of patriotism in children. "Tell them about the bravery of our soldiers, and the strategy with which the Army, Navy, and Air Force operate. Such stories of courage and sacrifice can inspire children to dream of joining the armed forces," he said.Media and mass communication expert Dr Moiz Mannan Haq, former head of the department at RTMNU, recalled how a campaign against fake news was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic. "A similar public awareness initiative is the need of the hour now. The flood of misinformation must be countered through verified facts and responsible communication," he said.Experts agree that with a balanced approach — combining facts, emotional support, and inspiration — this moment can be turned into a valuable learning experience for young minds.
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