In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, media creators and educators faced a unique challenge: helping children understand and process the traumatic events in a way that was age-appropriate. One parent, a researcher in children’s media, recounted how their young child, who was not yet two years old at the time of the attacks, drew an airplane crashing into the World Trade Center. This image, the parent noted, likely reflected the child's memory of how the parent had reacted to the events, highlighting how early childhood development can be shaped by media and emotional cues from adults. Psychologist Joanne Cantor studied how children respond to frightening news and found that their fears vary based on age. Younger children are often frightened by stories about natural disasters, accidents, or harm to animals and children. As children grow older, they become more afraid of stories involving personal injury, violence, and disease. Teenagers, in particular, are more likely to be unsettled by news about random acts of violence, global conflicts, and large-scale disasters. Since the 1980s, when Cantor first published her research, the media environment for children has dramatically changed. Today, kids are exposed to news and images of disasters and violence through multiple screens and platforms. Studies have shown that young children can accidentally encounter distressing news content, and these images can linger in their minds, potentially affecting their emotional well-being. A global survey found that over half of the children surveyed were scared by news about the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that such fears are not limited to any one event or region. In response to the 9/11 attacks, children’s programming such as "Sesame Street" and "Arthur" adapted to help young viewers process their fears. "Sesame Street" created episodes that addressed children's anxieties without directly referencing the attacks. One episode focused on a fire at a local store, helping children understand loud noises and the presence of firefighters. Similarly, "Arthur" used a school fire to explore how different children react to scary events. "Zoom," a show for older children, featured episodes where kids shared their feelings and discussed ways to help others affected by the attacks, such as donating food or clothing. Today, children’s media exposure is more extensive than ever, with news and entertainment content readily available on mobile devices and online platforms. While parents may try to shield children from distressing news, young children often pick up on emotional cues and media content without direct exposure. Experts suggest that parents and teachers can help by acknowledging children's fears, providing honest but age-appropriate answers, and offering opportunities for children to express their feelings through play, art, or journaling. These strategies, tested in the wake of 9/11, remain relevant today in helping children navigate a world filled with complex and often unsettling news.