Talking with Teens about Violent Events

[Dr. Janine Domingues]: For older kids, for teens, you might want to assume that they already know, right? So you’re really just trying to get them to talk and have an ongoing conversation. Discussions might be around sources of what they’re getting their information from. You might have good conversations around broadening horizons around different types of news and news sources. Watching some of these things with your teens can also lead to good conversation. In my practice, I talk to teens always about, especially during this time, to shut off news notifications, hearing what’s on your social media, take a break. Being bombarded with a ton of information and a ton of images is like carrying a backpack full of books. It’s incredibly burdensome and it’s not-we’re not meant to do it. So you need to take a break. And lastly, creating conversation around meaning making. How is it that we can give them a sense of agency and hope? What is it that we can do? How can we get involved? How can you get involved with community, being in touch and volunteering for other people, doing good for others? This might be a time to really touch base about values and how is it that you want to show up and can contribute in the world?