Events such as wars or natural disasters often dominate the news for days on end. Children are aware of these topics – through conversations at home, at school or via the internet. However, much of the information is difficult to understand or frightening. How can children be introduced to news in an age-appropriate way?
Introduce children to news
Children should learn to understand the world. But many news formats for adults are too complex or frightening. Images of violence or disasters can be overwhelming. In addition, “fake news” and political opinion making make it difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction.
Age-appropriate guidance is important. Parents can help to classify what they have seen – and select suitable, safe offers.
Child-friendly news in video format
There are numerous news formats on the internet especially for children – with simple language, clear explanations and without shocking images. Some children are even reporters themselves.
Recommended offers:
- logo! (ZDF): The daily news program for children explains current topics in an understandable and child-friendly way. Available on television and online.
- kindersache.de (German Children’s Fund): A participatory site with current texts on various topics explained in a child-friendly way.
- duda.news (Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger): The children’s editorial team offers the latest news, animal ABC, lexicon and tips for children to join in.
- ZDFtivi news specials: child-friendly explanatory videos on current topics such as the pandemic or conflicts.
The children’s search engine fragFINN.de helps to find trustworthy children’s offers. The search results are filtered and age-appropriate.
News for children as a podcast
Podcasts allow children to listen to news at their own pace – without scary images.
Recommended podcasts:
- MausZoom (WDR): The mouse takes a topic and slowly zooms in – the more it zooms in, the more details come to light.
- neuneinhalb (WDR): A socio-political reporter magazine for children and young people with exciting topics.
- Children’s news (NDR Info): Weekly news overview for children aged 9 and over, explained in an understandable way.
- logo! to go (ZDF): The podcast for the logo! program makes it possible to listen to the news on the go.
- FINNgehört (fragFINN): A children’s news podcast with the game “Two truths, one lie” and exciting reports.
News formats for young people
Young people often obtain information via social networks such as YouTube, Instagram or TikTok. However, there is also a lot of misinformation and extreme opinions out there. Reputable services that take young people seriously and communicate on an equal footing are therefore particularly important:
- funk (ARD/ZDF): The content network offers formats such as Deutschland3000, STRG_F and MrWissen2Go on various platforms.
- nicetoknow (WDR): News on TikTok for young people aged 14 and over, produced with young people.
- tagesschau (ARD) on Instagram: Short, well-explained contributions for young people.
- mitmischen.de (German Bundestag): The youth portal offers information on politics and its own reports.
How parents can provide support
Even child-friendly news can be unsettling. Some children are curious, others are quickly worried. It’s not just the offer that matters, but also the conversation:
- Talk about what you have seen: ask what your child has understood and explain openly what has happened.
- Watch or listen together: This way you can help to categorize content – especially with difficult topics.
- Take fears seriously: Children cannot always tell whether something is far away or threatening to them.
- Explain what false reports are: Show how to check sources and why not everything online is true.
- Let young people have their say: talk about social media, news channels and influencers – and learn together.
