Packers: The Jordan Love experiment is looking worse by the week
After a Week 5 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love's struggles on passes downfield have become concerning.
2023-10-10 22:29
4 Orioles playing in their final postseason in Baltimore
The Baltimore Orioles have a farm system brimming with young talent. With so much up-and-coming talent on the way, it's obvious the handful of pending free agents the team has will be making their final postseason run with the Orioles.
2023-10-10 22:27
Four British men freed after Afghanistan detention
The UK welcomes their release after they were held for allegedly breaking the country's laws.
2023-10-10 22:17
Growing backlash over Harvard students pro-Palestine letter
Lawmakers and alumni have been angered by the letter, which blames Israel for the unfolding conflict.
2023-10-10 21:54
Andrew Haigh says themes of grief and loss compelled him to make All of Us Strangers
'All of Us Strangers' director Andrew Haigh was compelled to make the film because he was so moved by the original book 'Strangers' by Taichi Yamada.
2023-10-10 21:27
Israel-Gaza violence: The conflict explained
Tensions between Israel and the Palestinians date back decades, but what are the key issues?
2023-10-10 20:58
Jalen Hurts continues to play lights out for the Eagles
Jalen Hurts continues to play lights out for the Eagles
2023-10-10 20:56
Israel-Hamas conflict: How to talk to teenagers about distressing news stories
With all the access teenagers today have to the internet and social media, they may see more distressing news stories than even their parents. Palestinian militant group Hamas – deemed a terrorist group by the UK Government – invaded Israel on Saturday from Gaza, with rocket attacks by air as well as military in boats. Since then, Israel has sealed the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip off from food, fuel, medicine and other supplies, while launching retaliatory air strikes on the territory, which is home to 2.3 million people. The most recent numbers suggest 900 people have been killed in Israel, 700 in the Gaza territory and the West Bank, and many hostages have been taken. Hamas has pledged to kill captured Israeli hostages if attacks target civilians in Gaza. The conflict has sparked protests by pro-Palastine and pro-Israel groups in the UK and prompted political division on social media. Teenagers are likely to be exposed to a lot of the news, internet discussion and perhaps distressing images of conflict. So how should parents approach this? Talk about it at home Dr Jeri Tikare, clinical psychologist at Kooth, a digital mental health platform, believes parents should be as truthful as they can with their teenagers. “This means that it is important for us to not to hide things away from them. It is better for them to hear it from us (their people of safety) as opposed to reading it or hearing it from others,” he says. “Also bearing in mind the curious nature of the mind. It is inevitable that for things that they do not understand, they might research and look for answers. “It can be helpful if they get their information from a reliable source which can feel contained and reassuring. But share information at a level that is developmentally right and just enough to help the young person feel contained and safe.” Check yourself As the parent, learn the basics of what is going in the conflict yourself from reputable sources so you can have balanced, informed conversations with your child. “It can also be useful to be aware of our own reactions as parents or primary caregivers,” he says. “One of the ways young people learn and develop is via observing and then modelling adult behaviour. Hence, they can pick up anxieties or worries displayed by parents.” Validate and normalise expressing emotion If your teen is particularly affected by distressing news stories about war and conflict, Tikare encourages parents to give their teenagers the opportunity to express how they are feeling in different ways – such as writing, drawing, stories, songs, and things that feel helpful for the young person. “Some find a feelings box helpful,” he adds. “It might also be helpful to introduce them to some simple relaxation techniques such as taking three deep, slow breaths, breathing in for a count of three and out for three.” Be there for them Giving your teenager the space, time and encouragement to open up about how they feel on any subject – world news or otherwise – is key. “I know that life can be hard, busy and sometimes young people are aware of this and might not want to disturb you,” Tikare says. “Therefore, it might be helpful to make a conscious effort to let them know that you are mindful of how difficult it can be and reassure them that you are available to talk about things. “Giving them extra love and attention at this time can be helpful, especially at difficult times like this.” Discuss social media Tikare acknowledges that television, social media and other platforms “can be very distressing and exacerbating” for teenagers. But you may not be able to prise your child away from posting on their social media accounts altogether. “It would depend on the motivation behind posting and where they are posting,” Tikare says. “Posting about the feelings experienced around the conflict in a supportive and possibly moderated space, with people sharing similar feelings associated with the conflict, can help normalise the experience and leave them feeling less alone. “On the other hand, it could also expose them to content and comments that could potentially trigger distress.” So be sure to make them aware of the content they may come across online. Read More Autumn décor ideas for a seasonal refresh Why you shouldn’t tidy your garden too much in autumn World Mental Health Day: 5 ways to beat anxiety and change your life Alternative veg to grow for next season How to spot if your child is struggling with their mental health – and what to do next Does your pillowcase make a difference to your skin and hair health?
2023-10-10 20:51
Hamas hostages: 'The terrorists have her and her babies'
Yossi Sneider says his cousin and her two children were taken from their home in southern Israel.
2023-10-10 20:48
People struggle to leave Israel after more flights cut
BA, Virgin Atlantic and El Al are now the only airlines with direct flights from Israel to the UK.
2023-10-10 20:22
Basketball-Doncic fever hits Madrid as Mavericks forward returns to face Real
By Fernando Kallas MADRID Dallas Mavericks' Slovenia forward Luka Doncic will get a rapturous home welcome when he
2023-10-10 20:20
Ivory Coast asylum seeker becomes top Welsh language activist
Ivorian Joseff Ngabo is the first person of colour to lead a Welsh language campaign group.
2023-10-10 20:17