It is a mistake to even have the evening news or a talk show on when preschoolers are around. Psychologists often use screen images to change toddlers' behavior, such as curing a fear of dogs by having them watch films of a child playing happily with a dog. But, as with preschoolers, there is no overwhelming reason they should regularly watching TV news or talk shows produced for adults. The world of adult TV news is too unknown and frightening a place for elementary school children. However, there are news shows designed specifically for children of this age, such as Linda Ellerbee's Nick News.
Parents can watch along with their children, discussing important points.
Taking the time to find these shows and making them part of your child's regular viewing is well worth the effort. The pacing seemed about right. By age 11 or 12, most kids will have developed the necessary language and thinking skills to analyze news programs designed for their age group. Families can tape it and watch it at home, too, or kids can watch other news programs designed specifically for them. Most talk shows appeal to early adolescents.