Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

Children and Media Coverage of Trauma

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.

Covering Trauma: Impact on Journalists

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.

Self-Study Unit 1: Journalism & Trauma

II. Effects of Traumatic Stress

In recent years, thanks to a number of researchers, educators and organizations, the role of traumatic stress and journalism has come under closer scrutiny.

Covering Children & Trauma

IV. Children & PTSD

By Ruth Teichroeb

Children encounter many types of violence, from collective events like war and natural disasters to individual tragedies like accidental shootings, interpersonal violence, car accidents and illnesses. Research has found that just like adults, kids’ reactions vary widely. Most kids are frightened and anxious at first but those feelings fade with time and support. Others suffer longer-term problems, like re-experiencing the event, depression, withdrawal and anger, that are signs of post-traumatic stress.

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Breaking Bad News

V. Things to Say and Not to Say

Be open and honest; don't try to shield the family from the circumstances of the death. They may well find out the details through other channels.

Self-Study Unit 2: Covering Terrorism

III. Effects

By Elana Newman and Chris Bull

Most journalists today are a far cry from the mythologized war correspondent coping with internalized images of violence, suffering and despair through stiff drinks and bawdy jokes. Like every human being, newswomen and men suffer emotional consequences from their work.

Violence/Crime

A list of academic publications that address trauma, violence, and criminal justice.

Self-Study Unit 4: The First 24 Hours

V. Coping Strategies for Families

Journalists should also be aware of acute stress disorder during this time period and beyond.

Covering Children & Trauma

II. Confidentiality

By Ruth Teichroeb

The biggest hurdle when covering tragedies involving children is getting access to information. Stricter confidentiality laws govern everything from their school and hospital records to court and child-welfare files.

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General Communication

A list of journals that publish research related to trauma and journalism.