Table Talk: Family Conversations about Current Events

About Table Talk

Families often want to discuss news stories and other timely societal events. It's a great opportunity to engage children in rich conversation, share important values and encourage lifelong interest in the news. These talks can happen on the way to school, during a walk or over a meal. Research shows that dinnertime conversation benefits the health, emotional and academic outcomes for children of all ages. Each Table Talk guide below includes a topic summary, questions to start the conversation and dig deeper, ideas to take action and additional resources.

Tips for Discussion:

• Find out what young people know and use the summary information to expand upon their prior knowledge. Ask what else they want to know and research together to learn more.
• When discussing the topic, ask young people open ended questions that deepen the conversation. Be mindful not to judge their responses and listen thoughtfully.
• Think together about a child-level action they can take; this can be something they do on their own or something you do together or as a family.

Featured Table Talk

Bias and Hate in Online Games

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Research indicates that more and more teenagers and young adults look to video games for social interactions, but also find that those same young people are encountering hate and bias in those spaces. Learn how you can use ADL's Online Gaming Leaderboard to navigate conversations with young people that make them more informed, more responsible and safer users of video game platforms.

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