I believe that fall-out from the technological changes of the last two decades includes a relaxation in our attempts to protect children from worrisome information. While middle schools may still send home forms before showing “R” or even “PG-13” rated films, and they still try to block websites, those schools don’t try nearly as hard as in the past. Parents may not be trying as hard, either. For one thing, so many students have full internet access on their phones that blocking websites and screening bad language does not seem particularly practical.

Let me pose a few questions: Are you watching the news? Does the news fascinate you? Does the news concern you right now? Does it even scare you? Imagine if you were eight, or ten, or twelve or sixteen and could put almost none of that news into context. Suppose you had no idea which opposing commentator knew the facts. Given that lawyers are battling questions of legality in open forums, it’s safe to say that even adults don’t understand the legalities of the current situation.

Eduhonesty: Pull out the Star Wars Monopoly game. Pull out the old Xbox games and controllers. Go out for pizza or ice cream. The political news right now can be a bit too fascinating. I am recommending we view the news, if we must, after the little kids go to sleep. Parents, you know your older children. If you want to have discussions with them about current events, and you think they can handle those events without becoming too distressed, go for it. But let’s keep the kids in mind as we channel surf.