Navigating Tough Conversations: Addressing Politics and Social Issues with Kids
Posted by Improving Lives Counseling Services, Inc. | Children and Adolescent Counseling
January 20, 2025 was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Civil Rights Day, International Day of Acceptance, and, this year, Inauguration Day. The stark contrast in how differently the day was perceived and observed across various segments of the country was expected for most adults. However, for children, adolescents, and teens – depending on their level of access to information, as schools were closed – the events and conflicts of the day may have been traumatic.
In homes where the belief is that ‘children should be seen but not heard,’ signs of trauma could easily go unnoticed. In homes where parents choose to explain or over-explain, the explanation itself might unintentionally cause distress. Meanwhile, children exposed to dissent through apps or the internet might leave parents entirely unaware of what they’ve encountered.
Even 20- and 30-year-olds who typically avoid following the news, reported feeling overwhelmed on January 20th, grappling with confusion about how to process the barrage of tirades on their screens, how to respond to friends with differing views, or whether to take a side at all.
“Research indicates that what we see on apps, on the internet or watch on TV can significantly affect our brains, impacting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, with excessive exposure potentially leading to impaired cognitive function, and even changes in brain structure, particularly in developing brains.” (AI)
Margot Habiby, Deputy Director, Communications at the George W. Bush Institute, stated, “At a time when civics knowledge by American children is in decline, the inauguration is a real-time teaching moment on the way our democracy runs. This year, in particular, it’s going to be up to parents to teach kids about our democratic system.”
We agree that this is a teaching moment; however, the significance and importance of an inauguration are deeply intertwined with the content of the speeches delivered. For children of transgender parents, as well as transgender adolescents and teens, hearing rhetoric aimed at transgender exclusion can have profound effects, potentially leading to increased stigmatization and mental health challenges. Similarly, children of undocumented parents report heightened fear due to the promised series of executive orders aimed at intensifying immigration enforcement.
The political climate surrounding the inauguration speeches has exacerbated societal divisions, negatively affecting children. Reports highlight an increase in verbal harassment and the use of slurs in schools and on social media platforms, fostering a hostile environment for some children.
Early research suggested that beliefs and values primarily stem from parents and peers who are seen to play a primary role in the political socialization of children. Children spend their formative years with their parents, who might shape ideological beliefs either directly through political discussion or indirectly through modeling. Most U.S. parents pass along their religion and politics to their children, and recent studies found more than 80% of teens described their religious, and political, views the same as their parents. This number drops tremendously when it comes to social issues. Research suggests that while parents have a significant impact on their children’s societal views, despite this influence, children may develop different perspectives on certain issues due to exposure to peers, media, and their own life experiences.
Regardless of political or social persuasion, these conversations with children, adolescents, and teens are essential to mental well-being. Children may not always express what they are experiencing and may let fear of judgment, disapproval, or embarrassment prevent them from asking questions about sensitive topics that they observe causing conflict.
Improving Lives Counseling Services provides a diverse team of licensed, professionally trained counselors, therapists, and clinicians who thoughtfully consider family culture, values, traditions, religion, and beliefs when addressing the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens. We have the knowledge, skills, and training necessary to connect with your child.
Scheduling an appointment does not mean your child has a mental illness, it means you recognize the importance of your child’s mental health, and mental well-being. We offer individual, couples, family, and group, in-person, and online sessions.
