How to Talk with Kids About Political Ads

While you may think that kids don’t want to talk politics, many children and teens think that the elections may affect them.^{[1]XResearch source} Kids are surrounded by ads, bumper stickers, signs, and commercials for politicians during election season. Kids may have fears or misconceptions about politics, politicians, or ads, and it can be helpful to talk things through with them. Set an example your children can learn from as they develop into voting citizens themselves.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Conversing on Politics and Ads

1
Ask them what they know. Sit down with your child and ask them about what they know about elections, politics, and politicians. Get a feel for what your child knows and how they understand the political ads. This can help you gauge their understanding, their fears, and their questions. Knowing your child’s understanding can help guide you to talk to them in an age-appropriate way that addresses their concerns.^{[2]XResearch source}
- For example, your young child may be fearful that a politician is saying things in a strong or powerful way, yet may not know what that person is talking about.
- Your child may get information from political ads, social media, and friends. Ask them if they saw an ad or social media post. If they did, use the content of that specific ad to start your conversation.
2
Inquire about their own opinions. For younger children, start getting them thinking about political issues. You can ask, “Why is it important to have schools? Are there good things about paying taxes?” For older children, engage them in their thoughts and ask them why they have those beliefs. What examples can support their view? Engage with your child and allow them to express and develop their own opinions.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If your child’s opinion differs from your own, that’s okay. Ask them about it and let them know it’s okay to have different opinions from others. This can help them to develop tolerance for other viewpoints.
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3
Talk about advertising. Remind children that political ads are just that, advertising. Why else would they play around other commercials on television or the radio? Just like advertisements for toys, cars, and other items get people thinking about and wanting that item, political ads try to sway people toward a certain candidate through advertising.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Tell your child that the ads may play to their emotions. Talk about any emotions they felt after watching an ad and what they think about it. Let them know that some ads try to make people afraid, but that doesn't mean there is a real threat or risk to them directly.
- Talk about manipulation. Ads sometimes use words or images to manipulate a person’s feelings. Say, “What did it feel like to watch that ad? Did you feel like it made you feel something?”
4
Highlight the importance of voting. While your kids may not be old enough to vote, they likely will be one day. Set a good example for your children by explaining what voting is and why it is important. Let them know why it’s important to be informed before voting. Remind them that political ads are meant to help sway votes, yet nothing can replace the research you do on your own to make an informed decision.^{[5]XResearch source}
- When you’re preparing for an election, get your kids involved in gathering information. Have them do internet searches about propositions or important issues facing the election, and keep them nearby when you do your own research. Then talk about it with them.
- Expressing the value of voting can help encourage your children when they do reach the age to vote. Take them with you when you go to vote so that they can see the process in action. Stress that voting is individual and respectful, and let them see that at your polling place.
5
Discuss ways to get involved. If your child feels scared or inspired by issues raised by political ads, talk about ways to get involved. While politicians can make legislative decisions, each person can make a difference regarding social action. If your child is concerned about social issues, get them involved in volunteering at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, animal shelter, or making steps to live with less environmental impact.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Talk to your child about petitions and how they can help to voice concerns or support. You might want to include your child if you choose to sign a petition to show how each person’s voice can be heard.
- Help your child understand how petitions, votes, and other actions work to help a community. The more they understand and see it in action, the more likely they are to be active in making their voice heard instead of apathetic.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Discussing the Content of Political Ads

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Reassure your child. Your child may hear politicians talking about negative things such as a bad economy, job loss, home loss, or other scary things that may make your child fearful. Gently reassure your child about their concerns. Provide some perspective about the problem in an age-appropriate way. If the problems do affect your family, let your child know what you are doing to handle them.^{[7]XResearch source}
- For example, say, “I know it scares you that the politician was talking about job losses. I want you to know that both of your parents have jobs and don’t worry about losing them. We will do everything we can to make sure you are taken care of.”
- If your job is up in the air, say, “Yes, job loss might affect our family. I know you feel worried, and sometimes I worry, too. Yet, I will always do what I can to make sure you are okay.”
2
Talk about persuasion. When you and your child see an ad, spend some time decoding it. Talk about how the music, visuals, and claims are used to try to persuade people. Talk about how music and pictures can influence people.^{[8]XResearch source} For example, a politician may use a photo of an unhappy family or run-down neighborhood then follow it up with a happy family and pleasant neighborhood when talking about themselves.
- For a younger child, say, “What did the music sound like? Did it sound friendly or scary?” For older children, say, “How is that person trying to persuade others? Did they bend the truth at all? How did the visuals add to their message?”
- Use ads for toys and games as parallels to help your child understand. Talk to them about why a toy commercial makes them excited, then connect that to the tools used to manipulate emotions in a political ad.^{[9]XResearch source}
3
Explain your reactions. You might feel upset by a commercial or ad. Since kids can sense feelings but may not know where they come from or what caused them, they may feel like your upset is their fault. Let your child know that the commercial was upsetting to you and it has nothing to do with them. If you mute the television or change the radio channel, tell your child what’s going on.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Make it clear that your reaction has nothing to do with your child.
4
Discuss bullying. Some politicians use their air time to slam their opponents. They might call their opponent names or attach a label to them or to the campaign. Some children may begin to use this type of speech by parroting the speech or by bullying others. Remind your child that politicians do this to gain some kind of advantage or to change the subject. Make sure your child knows that it is not okay to bully others at home, at school, on the playground, or during activities.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Even if your kid disagrees with someone else, teach them how to disagree respectfully and not use bullying or name-calling. Make sure your child knows that it's ok for others to have different views and opinions, and that we can show those opinions when we vote instead of through fighting.
5
Keep it age-appropriate. While there are regulations regarding political ads, your child may still be exposed to content that is not appropriate for them. For example, some politicians point out their opponent’s scandals or draw attention to personal life matters. If your child begins to ask you about things that you deem inappropriate, have a response ready. You don’t need to answer the question, but do address your child’s concern.
- For example, if your child finds out about a candidate’s infidelity scandals, say, “Yes, that person likely did some bad adult things. Sometimes, a person’s personal life gets talked about during elections. I’m sorry you had to hear that.”
- if an ad comes on that you deem inappropriate, turn it off or mute it.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Talking with Older Children

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Interact on hot issues. While you may not want to discuss big issues such as abortion, immigration, racism, or the economy with younger children, teens are more ready to talk about these things. It may be uncomfortable for you to bring it up, yet, remember that your teen will be voting soon.^{[12]XResearch source}
- If something comes up during a political ad, ask your teen, “What do you think about that?” Use the opportunity to have an important discussion with your teen and hear them out.
2
Teach discretion. Many youths get political news and information via social media. Politicians are quick to grab attention to themselves and their platforms by using social media to further their messages or even to insult their opponents. Especially with an upsurge of fake news stories, it’s important for youth to know what is credible.^{[13]XResearch source}
- If your child brings up a story or commercial, ask them about the claims they heard. What makes the claims credible, and how do you find a credible news source?
- This is a good time to talk about bias. If your teen’s news source is social media, tell them that anyone posting an article generally has a bias toward a politician or position. Some news sources may be biased, too, so talk about them with your child.
3
Share important political issues. If you feel strongly about the environment, share your views with your child. If a political ad mentions the environment, talk about how you agree or disagree with it. Consider discussing opposing candidates or positions about the environment and how you think their plans could alter the future.^{[14]XResearch source}
- If there are issues you care deeply about, interact with your child about how the political ads address the issues. Ask, “What does this candidate say that the other one does not? How do you feel about her plans?”
- Allow your child to disagree with your opinions. They may feel different about something you care about. Use that as an opportunity to foster respectful, mutual discussion on finding proper sources and forming individual opinions. Show them that difference don't have to lead to conflict.
4
Model how to disagree respectfully. You might find that you and your child disagree on political topics and positions. Show your child that it’s okay to disagree with someone and that you can disagree in a respectful way. The best way to do this is to model the behavior. Find something that you agree with, elaborate on a specific point, then add to it. For example, you can say, “Yes, I agree it’s important to be informed about abortion, and it can be a very heated and debatable topic. You said that it’s important for a woman to have a choice, and I think it’s often important for a man to be heard, too.”^{[15]XResearch source}
- Avoid using “but” as this can subtract and no add to an argument. Keep your speech positive.
- Keep your tone of voice friendly and not hostile or defensive.
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