By Christina Cantrell and Elana Newman

An overview of current research on the short- and long-term impacts of media coverage of tragedy on children, as well as aggravating risk factors and suggestions for future research.

The relationship between news consumption and psychological distress among children is a vital public health concern (e.g., Libow, 1992). Although researchers have delineated the psychological consequences of trauma on child victims, including posttraumatic stress disorder, less is known about the short- and long-term impact of media coverage of tragedy on child victims and bystanders. The purpose of this fact sheet is to synthesize the existing research on this topic so that journalists, editors, publishers, and caregivers of children can form evidence-based decisions. It may serve as background information for reporting. Although not explicitly written for parents and children, information may help families and clinicians make choices about news consumption.

Note: Accessing news about atrocities, disasters, and crimes certainly may bother most people. Children’s experience of tolerable but unpleasant feelings (e.g., sadness, anger, helplessness, fear, worry, and concern) in response to such news indicates a compassionate and empathetic stance to the world. It is not necessarily problematic unless it interferes with functioning, or becomes unbearable.

By Christina Cantrell

An overview of current research on how news coverage of traumatic event effects the public and the risk factors that exascerbate reactions of distress.

People who have been directly or indirectly exposed to tragedy can develop trauma-related symptoms or post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, it is possible, in theory, for a person to develop trauma-related symptoms after merely viewing media coverage of a traumatic event.

But is it really? Does watching trauma-related news induce or worsen psychological reactions in some people? What do journalists need to know about the evidence regarding the impact of trauma-related news coverage? What is the status of evidence about the effects of trauma-related news coverage?

This fact sheet reviews what we know about effects of media coverage from various tragedies, what we still need to learn, and practical implications of what we know.

By River Smith and Elana Newman

An overview of current research on the occupational hazards for journalists covering traumatic events, the risk factors that aggravate those effects and some suggestions for mitigating those factors.

Journalists frequently bear witness to human suffering whether covering mass disasters or individual atrocities; however, little is known regarding the impact of such exposure on the well-being of journalists. Researchers in the field of traumatic stress are only beginning to examine the toll this line of work may have on the health of journalists. This fact sheet reviews the extant research regarding the types of events journalists are exposed to, the impact of covering these events, and the factors that may place journalists at risk for psychological distress.

September 11, 2001.
April 19, 1995.

Everyone knows what happened on the above dates. But you may remember others, too: The day of the storm that killed many people in your area; the day of the fire that killed innocent children; the day that someone murdered someone you knew.

Reporters, editors, photojournalists and news crews are involved in the coverage of many tragedies during their lifetimes. They range from wars to terrorist attacks to airplane crashes to natural disasters to fires to murders. All having victims. All affecting their communities. All creating lasting memories.

This booklet is intended to offer informal guidance in circumstances where journalists, their editors or managers are required to tell next-of-kin of the death of a colleague.

The advice is based on the experience and training of London’s Metropolitan Police. The Dart Centre is grateful to the Met’s Family Liaison Unit for its support.

Neither the Dart Centre nor the Metropolitan Police accept any responsibility for actions or outcomes which may follow from use of this document.

A dog attacks a preschooler on a playground, severely injuring the child. A father beats his infant son to death. A tornado tears through a community, trapping families in damaged homes. Terrorists strike on 9/11, leaving thousands of children to mourn lost parents.

When children are victims of violence, journalists have a responsibility to report the truth with compassion and sensitivity. Kids aren’t mini-adults; they deserve special consideration when they end up in the news.

Road accidents and plane crashes. Natural disaster. Famine and war. Crime and murder. Floods. Riots. Child abuse and torture. Rape and sexual violence. Genocide.

And the aftermath of all of those things. Loss. Bereavement. Extreme human distress.

Trauma is at the heart of news — and of the human condition. How it’s reported gives those who weren’t there their first understanding of what a traumatic event means. Personally. For their families and loved-ones. For their community and their nation. Indeed, for the world as a whole.

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