Newswise — Repeatedly watching the graphic images of the tsunami destruction in southern Asia can take an emotional toll, especially on children, says a Purdue University media expert.
"Even though most Americans have not experienced suffering from the tsunami disaster first-hand, parents need to think about the impact of this media coverage on children," says Glenn Sparks, a communication professor who studies how TV images, such as scary movies or war stories on television, affect people. "Older children are more likely to be affected than younger children simply because those older than the age of 6 have a better understanding of the reality of what is actually happening.
"Given the unprecedented and continuing nature of the disaster, parents need to remain sensitive to the news coverage that their children are watching."
On Dec. 26, an earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a tsunami that killed more than 150,000 people in 11 Asian countries. Some video and photos of the recovery efforts show dozens of bodies, and initial video of the disaster even shows people, including children, drowning.
But images like these, while disconcerting, also can motivate people to contribute to the recovery efforts, Sparks says.
"Media coverage can play a very significant role in the contributions that people around the world make to the relief effort," Sparks says. "However, people need to be aware of how these images can affect them and their families."
People who are affected by tsunami images may experience interruptions to their sleep routines. For example, parents should watch for changes in their children's bedtimes and sleep patterns.
Adults choose to handle frightful media images differently, Sparks says. Some adults may seek distractions and avoid coverage of current events, watching more sitcoms instead. Others will cope by watching and reading everything they can about the tragedy because it makes them feel better to have that information. Sparks says both coping strategies can work effectively because people have different ways of handling disaster. However, children may need some help in coping with repeated exposure to disturbing images.
He also suggests that parents take note of the viewer discretion warnings before such images are shown.
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