Eisen: Nurturing resilience — a teacher’s perspective on addressing current events

Brian Eisen, Arizona Virtual Academy

Beardland Photography

As a U.S. history teacher at Arizona Virtual Academy, I am increasingly concerned about the impact of the 24-hour news reporting of local, national and global events on young minds.

In this age of constant connectivity, students frequently encounter distressing headlines and harsh rhetoric, and the increasing use of social media provides an unfiltered, first-hand view into environments fraught with unrest.

This has led me to ponder this question: how can we, as educators, help students grow into the individuals they are meant to be if they are constantly bombarded with how others want them to think about these issues? In this context, it becomes vital for educators to foster critical thinking and media literacy in our students.

Recognizing this challenge, it's essential for us to critically examine how we consume and discuss media ourselves. We should shun the thought that discussing such topics with friends and family is taboo. Instead, we should improve our own media literacy and set an example for how our students/children should discern the credibility of sources and how to engage in respectful conversations about current events.

In my classroom, I emphasize the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.

By teaching students to question the information they encounter, we empower them to seek out diverse perspectives and to think critically. This equips them with the skills to differentiate credible sources from potentially misleading ones. Not only does this foster a deeper understanding of current events, but it also empowers students to develop their own voice in discussions, nurturing confidence and a sense of responsibility in both consuming and sharing information.

In addition to media literacy, technology also enables each student to tell their own story and become a “journalist.” However, we must remember that journalism is a profession requiring education and practice to perform with fidelity and authenticity. Still, in today’s world, students must adopt a curious mindset and question the information they encounter. With the support of their teachers, students can develop the critical thinking skills needed to distinguish the truth from misinformation.

According to a 2020 advisory from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the daily barrage of distressing news and intense rhetoric can take a toll on students’ mental well-being, causing stress, anxiety and fears. This highlights the necessity for teachers to empower students to embrace curiosity. By building critical thinking skills, educators can enhance students’ confidence and support their mental health.

As you spend time with your child, consider how the conversations they overhear can shape their worldview — both positively and negatively. Invite your child to have conversations with you and other family members and help them to feel empowered to ask questions.

Here are some strategies for parents to foster resilience in their children:

Promote anti-hate messaging

It is paramount to foster an inclusive and empathetic environment. My team at AVA encourages an environment where students learn to respect diverse opinions. Discussing current issues with sensitivity and encouraging open dialogue enables our students to engage in meaningful conversations without resorting to hate or intolerance.

 Examine context

 Before forming opinions on current events, consider the lessons from history. For example, if one studies the First and Second World Wars, one can see how different events and outcomes have shaped our world today.

Encourage inquiry

 Encourage your child to ask questions and gently challenge ideas; help them dive deep into topics, gather information and develop their own opinions based on their curiosity.

Seek out varied news sources

 Technology can assist in finding reliable information. Resources like this popular interactive chart by Ad Fontes Media and this one by AllSides can help identify media outlets that skew left, right or center.

When parents engage in discussions with their children about current events, they provide essential support that fosters resilience, helping students process the emotional challenges often associated with troubling news.

As a U.S. history teacher, my goal is to help students see the relevance of the past in shaping our global community today. By exploring historical events and their implications, they learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and the impact of their actions. I am inspired by the resilience and curiosity that my students demonstrate as they engage in discussions about social justice and civic responsibility.

Editor's note: Brian Eisen teaches 11th-grade U.S. History and Mythology & Folklore at Arizona Virtual Academy in Glendale. He views education as a means to build community and to help students discover their passions, nurturing an environment where every student can thrive. Do you have an opinion on this issue? We’d like to hear from you. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.