Media Coverage of Disasters and Young Audiences: A Media and News Literacy Perspective

Abstract

In the digital age, youth are increasingly exposed to disaster-related media content through social platforms that function as both social arenas and primary news sources. This paper explores how disaster reporting impacts children and teenagers as a neglected audience group, emphasizing issues of misinformation, emotional regulation, language sensitivity, and developmental appropriateness. Drawing from communication theory, media studies, and developmental psychology, the study highlights the need for age-appropriate, emotionally supportive, and ethically responsible media practices. It also outlines educational and policy recommendations aimed at fostering media literacy and civic resilience in young audiences.