Negative News Media

Our culture thrives on 24/7 news coverage. Even if your kids aren’t watching the news, other adults in their world likely are. Unfortunately, today’s culture emphasizes negative news reports. All of this negativity can paint a very hopeless picture for kids. Some kids feel hopeless about our world or feel there is no good news. This week in Brite, kids will learn Mary and Joseph received news that would have definitely been scary. However, that scary news brought hope into our dark world. Evaluate how much negative news outlets your kids are exposed to. Hearing scary things on repeat is not healthy. When kids talk about scary events in the world, have honest conversations and also encourage them to focus on the good news that Jesus brings us. One day He will fix our broken world.

Here’s how we discussed this topic and how you can discuss it at home: 

Discuss: Have you ever heard someone say, “Everything just seems hopeless!?” What caused them to say that?

Discuss: Does the news or social media usually talk about hopeful things or negative things? What are some examples?

Say: All of the negative news we see on TV or on social media can make us feel like life really is hopeless. The good news is that we aren’t trusting in the world for our hope. The hope God gives us through Jesus is greater than anything this world could give us. Yes, the news is full of bad things happening in the world, but God gives us hope! We know that He is in control. We know that He has given us a way to live forever with Him, and that one day, all of the sickness, violence and terrible things in the news will be gone. He will make all things new!