As midterm elections unfold, political advertisements have grown increasingly unsettling, often featuring AI-generated imagery and deepfakes designed to provoke fear or confusion. Examples include manipulated clips portraying political figures in distorted or bizarre scenarios, such as a Halloween-themed video depicting Maura Healey with demonic features, or a fabricated clip showing a shirtless Graham Platner typing offensive comments online. Such content poses challenges not just for adults but especially for children and teenagers, who may struggle to distinguish fact from fiction amid a flood of inflammatory media.
Experts in child development and mental health warn that this environment can heighten anxiety among younger viewers. Dr. Richard Weissbourd, director of the Making Caring Common Project at Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Gene Beresin, executive director of The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasize that children today face unprecedented levels of exposure to distressing political and social content. Constant access to smartphones and social media amplifies these effects, making it difficult for youth to feel secure.
A recent Gallup poll highlights declining political and social trust among younger Americans: only 14 percent of those aged 18 to 34 report feeling “extremely proud” to be American, down 10 points from the previous year. Beresin notes that this generation confronts persistent threats through daily headlines—from mass shootings to sexual harassment scandals—a reality that fuels their understandable worry about personal safety and the future.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to engage thoughtfully with children about such content. Rather than immediately trying to shield or distract, experts advise asking children what they have seen and understood, listening carefully to identify specific fears before responding. Weissbourd stresses the importance of age-appropriate exposure to news; younger children may require protection from harsh realities they cannot yet contextualize, while older youth benefit from open conversations and guidance on navigating media.
For adolescents especially, Beresin advises parents to participate in their media consumption by watching political ads or social media content together—not to monitor covertly but to foster trust and honest dialogue. Teaching media literacy is essential. When encountering questionable material, including deepfakes, families can use these moments to discuss how to verify sources, recognize biases, and understand that discerning factual information may require effort and skepticism.
Parental composure also plays a critical role, as children are highly attuned to adult emotions. Experts recommend that caregivers acknowledge their own anxieties honestly while demonstrating coping strategies such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, limiting screen time, and practicing mindfulness. Such modeling can empower children to develop resilience.
Finally, experts suggest helping children channel their concerns into constructive actions—such as volunteering, community engagement, or advocacy on local issues—to counter feelings of helplessness. Weissbourd highlights the value of sharing historical examples of societal challenges overcome through collective effort, providing realistic hope rooted in past experiences.
Navigating a media environment rife with alarming political messaging requires intentional communication and emotional support, aiming to equip the next generation with the tools to understand, cope, and contribute positively amid uncertainty.