March 01, 2004

By: Christi Smith
Website: http://www.1st-in-kids.com

Special Explores Real Fears Kids Face In The World Today

The nation remains on high alert for terrorism. September 11 seems like yesterday. And American soldiers are at war. At home, kids are not just afraid of the monster under the bed or a ghost in the window.

Kids today are facing fears that are real – and reality is scary. This week premieres Young and Afraid, a 30-minute documentary exploring anxiety and fear in kids and teens. The special features interviews with kids, educators, parents and physicians.

The list of what frightens children today is much longer than it used to be and includes new words: weapons of mass destruction, Al Quaida, anthrax, Taliban, suicide bombers, ground zero. It is the vocabulary of terror, war and death. Young and Afraid takes a close look at how to talk to a six-year old differently than a 16-year old about these fears.

Experts say our kids know more about war and terrorism than we think. They hear about it at school. They have questions. Some kids will talk and others may express their anxiety through poems, drawings or paintings. It is important for kids to be allowed to express themselves in a way that is comfortable to them. Current surveys show: Watching repeated coverage about war can be overwhelming and confusing in children – causing stress and placing them at risk for childhood traumatic grief.

Allowing children to keep scared feelings to themselves is damaging. Children confuse facts with their fantasies and fear of danger during times of stress and uncertainty. Increasing news about war and talk about the threats of terrorism, children may feel uncertain and robbed of a basic sense of safety and security.

A timely program, Young and Afraid is part of CONNECT!, a community education, character education and Safe and Drug-Free Program initiative sponsored locally by, the Connecting With Kids Network and local schools in the area. Young and Afraid Participating schools in the area include.

Young and Afraid is part of ongoing program. CWK Network offers special programming throughout the year focusing on issues important to young people. In addition to the on-air program, parents and teachers will have access to online resources regarding prescription and over the counter drug abuse.

These materials include statistics, definitions, tips for parents and links to other web sites. CWK Network is pleased to provide Young and Afraid to our community, complete with the educational resources for our viewers to discuss this topic with their children. CWK Network, Inc. is the first company in the nation to connect the power of television with the promise of education.

A unique, coordinated partnership of broadcasters and local school districts offers communities a tool for improving school and community climates. The company develops and implements local community action networks, focused on connecting broadcast partners and local school districts in coordinated initiatives.

CWK Network is a leading creator and distributor of reality-based broadcast and cable television programming, Internet resources and other educational products focusing on the health, education and well being of children. The company provides solutions by listening to the concerns and issues of children and teens and providing expert advice on how to help them.

About The Author:

Christi Smith is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com.  Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.