Protecting children’s mental health during the elections

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Elections are a stressful time for adults, but we often forget it also becomes challenging for children as well.

“It’s impossible to escape all the social media and ads,” said Las Vegas parent Mike Willoughby.

Whether through TV commercials, driving down the street, or on social media, it’s hard to protect children from all the negative messaging during elections.

“They’re being exposed to the horrible stuff about rapists, and you know just being exposed to all types of things that they may not be ready to hear,” said Shelley Saluzzo.

Mendi Baron, CEO of Moriah Behavioral Health, says this can take a major toll on kids.

“They’re given the impression by those around them, by parents, by social media, that the world is going to come to an end based off of your decision. And that’s a terrifying prospect,” he said.

Saluzzo and her 15-year-old are both over the negativity.

The Las Vegas mom says she uses it as a reference to how not to act.

“I kind of point out the hate. I’m like look at what they’re doing. And is that the best way to get their message across,” said Saluzzo.

Baron says this is key.

“That’s the only way you can really frame it is this isn’t how we act despite the fact that that’s how they act,” said Baron. “If you let them see it and didn’t say that, the assumption is this is how we need to act.”

While it’s difficult to avoid, Baron encourages families not to get too detailed into the nuances of the election if possible when it comes to the younger children.

“Kids will do anything to please their parents. So, they’re going to want to make their parents feel better. If the person loses, they’re going to cry with their parents. They get really emotionally invested in a way they shouldn’t because they don’t understand it,” said Baron.

Willoughby, who has a one-year-old and a four-year-old, says this is something he and his wife practice by having deeper political discussions privately.

“Just trying to keep them away from any of those discussions we have on any of those issues. We do those privately without them being around,” he said.

Sometimes you also just have to shut it off entirely.

“Mute. For sure on the television I mute,” said Saluzzo.

If you do start seeing your child being impacted, Baron says make sure to communicate.

“You need to check-in. How are you doing? What’s going on? How are you feeling? Look for signs of anxiety, lack of eating,” he said.

And Willoughby’s almost 5-year-old daughter Meadow reminds us all that would help eliminate the stress is if everyone could just be kind and appreciate differences.

“Because God doesn’t like when you’re mean to people,” said Meadow.

Baron says one of the things that is important to teach kids during the election rather than really getting into the weeds of some of the sensitive topics, is teaching them how democracy works and the value of being able to choose what you believe in.