Child Clinicians & the Media

In many ways, journalists and clinicians share similar broad professional goals.

Both journalists and clinicians feel their work benefits society. Many journalists see their work as a vocation and more than just a job. Like clinicians, journalists have a range of experience and expertise. Some may employ what are considered to be “best practices,” while others may rely on practices that other media professionals call into question. There are Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, tabloid journalists and a whole range in between.

Many dedicated journalists commit their professional lives to covering serious issues such as war, natural disasters and personal struggles. In many cases, the stories of disenfranchised, impoverished and victimized children are only brought to the public’s awareness through the media.

As professional communicators, journalists can also educate large audiences about child traumatic stress. Combining statistics and evidence with a personal face, journalists can bring attention to trauma-related issues, facts and services in ways the public can understand.

Journalists can raise awareness about the work of dedicated professionals serving those families who are exposed to trauma.

In many cases, news coverage can reduce stigma and shame and inspire individuals to come forward with information.

Education through the media may lead a community to make choices about how to respond to individual and collective tragedies and atrocities. Increased awareness can also lead to increased allocation of resources, both human and financial, for children and families who have survived traumatic experiences.

What is “good” journalism about traumatic news events?

According to the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma, good news coverage about violence and disaster:

... portrays survivors and their family’s experiences with accuracy, insight and sensitivity. The best news stories illustrate the effects of violence on victims’ lives and the process of recovery from emotional trauma. Such compelling trauma-related news emphasizes understanding the effects of violence rather than focusing on anger, revulsion or revenge. Furthermore, good trauma-related news avoids sensationalism, melodrama and portrayal of victims as tragic or pathetic.

In many cases, clinicians are well positioned to help journalists achieve these goals. And by helping journalists achieve these goals, clinicians can help survivors in their communities by enhancing the public’s understanding of traumatic stress and its effects.

Helping a family decide whether to respond to journalists:

Journalists are professionals whose task is to accurately convey important events to the public.

Families need to make informed and individual decisions about the media.

Some families find that talking to journalists helps them feel stronger, allows them to serve as a resource to others and may lead to helpful community responses (e.g., finding the perpetrator, changing community policies, raising awareness, accessing resources, receiving letters and gifts from strangers).

Other families may find media attention intrusive, embarrassing or in some cases overwhelming.

Clinicians are often concerned that individual clients and family members talking to the media about their traumatic experiences may potentially complicate or exacerbate their symptoms.

Use your best judgment and help families make informed decisions. Consider these issues on a case-by-case basis. As with any clinical decision, it is important to consider a range of factors and counsel the family to make decisions that are best for them.

However, it is important to remember that talking to the media is the family’s choice, and it is our role to support families as best we can.

Despite any pressures, families need to make their own decisions about what is best for them.

These are a few issues you can help families think about when deciding whether or not to speak to journalists:

• Families should have as much control as possible. They should decide whether or not to talk to the media; be able to set their own personal limits about what they are comfortable discussing; and feel able to end the interview or refuse to answer questions they consider intrusive or overwhelming.
• Families always have a right to refuse to talk with the media, to request a specific reporter, to ask a family member or friend to speak on their behalf and to communicate with the media through written statements.
• Families should be able to talk with a reporter in advance (especially if the interview is taped or live) and get a sense of what the point of the story is, how long the interview might last and what kinds of questions they might be asked.
• Extra care should be taken when children are being interviewed. It is the parents’ or caregivers’ responsibility to ensure that their children feel safe and protected. It is important to talk it over with children in advance, make sure they feel comfortable and be available to monitor the interview and set limits if needed.
• Timing is everything. Families can indicate that they are not interested in talking with the media but may be willing to talk in the future. Some journalists will ask if they can contact the family in the future, and families can say yes or no. In addition, families have the right to say no at any point to interviews, even if they previously participated in interviews, or to halt an interview already under way.
• Although families may want to publicly recognize doctors, clergy and rescue workers who helped them, this should not be the sole factor in agreeing to talk to the media.

Questions for families to ask journalists to help make the decision:

• Have you written about other situations like this?
• Do you have an idea where this story is heading? What is the purpose of this story?
• Will you alert me before the story is going to run so I can prepare myself and my family?
• Is it okay if I or my child feels uncomfortable with a question or feel like we need the interview to stop?
• Will you read me back my quotes or my child’s before the story runs?
• If I were to allow you to talk to my child or teenager, how will you conduct the interview?
• Are you experienced in talking with children?