Limit Exposure to Violence or Aggression (Media and Real Life)
Ever feel like you need a black belt just to navigate the remote? One minute it’s cartoon puppies, the next—bam!—explosions and dramatic villain monologues. If you’re tired of playing emotional bouncer between your kid and the wild, wild world (or just wish you had a mute button for life’s scarier moments), this is for you. Spoiler: you don’t have to live in a bubble, but you might become a master of distraction and the world’s fastest channel changer.
Kids’ brains are squishy and super-absorbent—think emotional sponges with legs. Too much violence or aggression (even the cartoon kind) can amp up stress hormones, make them more anxious, and even mess with their empathy wiring. By giving their nervous systems a break, you help them build better emotional regulation, less anxiety, and, bonus, fewer spontaneous wrestling matches in the living room.
How to do it
First, make sure you know what’s actually in the shows, games, or news your child is consuming. Don’t rely on cute animation alone—sometimes even adorable characters can be involved in unexpected situations.
Use parental controls to help filter content, but also spend a few minutes watching or playing alongside your child to see what actually comes up.
If you notice something questionable or inappropriate, pause the content and talk about it with your child. Avoid simply muting or turning off the device in a panic; use the moment as a learning opportunity.
Model calm conflict resolution, even if you’re frustrated (like when the neighbor’s leaf blower is making noise). Your reactions teach your child how to handle tricky situations.
Remember:
- You’re not failing if you miss something—no one can catch everything.
- Keep the conversation open so your child feels comfortable coming to you with questions.
- Keep the remote nearby for quick pauses when needed.
Staying involved and approachable is key to helping your child navigate media safely.
