How does a teenager maintain a healthy interest in politics and current affairs without getting overwhelmed by bad news?
A mother told Parenting that her 15-year-old son has a “keen interest” in politics and plans to study it in college.
“Obviously, there's been a lot of political unease recently with the rise of the far right and violence here in Ireland and further afield, with Trump's increased popularity in the States,” she told Moncrieff.
“I've noticed my son's mental health significantly deteriorate through his vested interest in the subject.
“He’s extremely worried about what the future holds and catastrophises to no end about what may happen, should these far-right bodies get into power.”
The mother said she isn’t sure how to help her son – especially when many of his opinions are “valid”.
Political anxiety
Family psychotherapist Joanna Fortune said there is a lot more “doom and gloom” nowadays – not because worse things are happening but because the news is far more easily accessed.
“There's a lot of clicktivism going on these days,” she said.
The mother doesn’t need to “ease his mind” - but “meet” her son in the middle and help him regulate his political anxiety.
She said the mother should tell her son she also worries about current politics so her son doesn’t feel isolated.
Engaging in politics
Joanna also recommended researching a potential community group the son could join so he can channel his political energy,
“It could be environment, it could be relationship-marriage rights group, it could be inclusivity in work, helping people integrate into communities,” she said.
“It promotes but also practices positive activism - that could be a really good antidote as well.
“He's not getting the doomsday kind of doom and gloom stories - he's doing something that's taking action.”
If her son is able to use activism as a political channel, then he will likely be able to speak more about other topics like friends and school.
“Talk about movies, talk about music, talk about friends, talk about anything, just almost challenge each other to not mention news,” Joanna said.
She also recommended seeking out positive news stories to maintain perspective.
