Once again, the news is replete with the recent attack by Israel/United States on Iran and the retaliatory responses to other nations. It is difficult to not hear about varied aspects of this. For teens, their typical sources of information or misinformation about these events come from social media or their peers. The significance of world events like this can have impact into issues like anger, anxiety and other fearful emotions for many adults and for teens.
It is sometimes difficult to read teens’ responses to an attack like this. Realizing that they are forming opinions based on what they have heard is important. Depending on their temperament and developmental phase these responses may be dramatic, fearful, cynical or even apathetic. Yet we do know that any reaction could result in behavioral changes.
What is important is that caregivers of teens should remain as objective as possible. If we are going to help them with their assessment of such a global situation it is important that we use a lot of listening statements with little judgement of their beliefs. They should have the room to process their perspectives in a safe and positive environment.
As you speak to a teenager about this kind of situation there are some specific perspectives and types of language that can be helpful. It will be important that we speak with calm, truthful and explanatory language. This can help to bring clarity or balance to some of the sensationalism that they may hear. It is also important to validate their emotions. They may be confused, angry or fearful which will impact their way of processing these difficult situations.
It is also important to help them understand that these types of issues are complex. There is a broad range of perspectives that will become apparent. More continuum language is important to help them have a broader understanding of the complexity of a regional conflict. It will also be significant to emphasize their safety. These moments can feel very ominous and may feel highly threatening. Bringing some reassurance is important for them to recognize their safety in their own life context.
I think these world events can really help teens become critical thinkers. This is an excellent opportunity to assist teens to track their resources for accuracy and evaluate some of the more extreme information for any biased or misrepresentations. With so many reactionary perspectives, it will be important that they are guided by responsible adults who can teach them to be balanced and confident in their perspectives.
As they do react, there may be a need to check in about how well they are coping with the situation. This is not a one-time conversation but one that continues over time. The situation will change, news will change and perspectives will change over time. This is a process learning type of journey and it will be important to make these discussions regular and comfortable.
Finally, there is a good opportunity to teach teenagers healthy coping skills. They may need to develop breathing techniques, regulation exercises and other interventions that work for them which may include limiting their news and/or social media intake if it all becomes too stressful. It is difficult for any of us to process what is going on in the Middle East, but for teens it can be a time of insecurity and dramatic reactions. We should engage them, honor their perspectives and help them cope with their feelings and fears as we process such a significant global crisis.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
