For many years, citizens have relied on the news to share crucial information about what is occurring in the world. While the form of media has changed from radio to television to hand-held devices, news has remained a prominent source of information in our world. It is undeniable that the news has grown more negative over time, displaying harsh realities of death and despair. However, the question still stands, should children be allowed to watch the news? At what age do we invite them to create their own perception of the world and what are the lasting effects of doing so?

For starters, we must establish the understanding that children should be able to consume the news at some point in their lives. Not only does it teach them how to navigate and present themselves in the world, but it constantly educates them about the reality of our world. Many children discover their love for journalism and broadcasting through viewing others in the field who look like them. This connection to the media is a positive aspect for children to find their future career paths. Second, it aids in slowing the theory that journalism and broadcasting are dying in our society. By continuing to inform the next generation about these career paths, the field gains excited and determined minds who offer new stances.

As far as the age that children should be exposed to the news, it depends on how open their parents have been with them about the events that take place. If a child has a parent that does not talk to them about current events at all, the transition into perceiving the news will be hard for them to digest. I believe that parents should take initiative to introduce themes of media to their children so they are not overwhelmed by how cruel it can look. This way, their children can start watching the news themselves by the age of 11 or 12 and grow their understanding of what the world looks like.

This is especially true for children within the minority. Whether this is displayed through race, gender or social class, children need to be prepared to view the aftermath of the hierarchical world they live in. The news may not be the ideal mirror that we want to show our children, but we need to make decisions that prepare them for their futures and adulthood.