Oral

Health communication experts and leading organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of communicating with children as a contributing factor to long-term preparedness related to health and social issues. The number of health communication interventions intended to encourage healthy and socially responsible life styles, prevent risky behaviors, prepare for emergencies and natural disasters, and /or cope with chronic illness within this young audience is rising. Since children are often well poised to bridge generational, class, and cultural divides, communicating with children is emerging as a key strategy that could become an important factor in public health interventions. Effective communication with children requires age-appropriate styles and behavior-oriented strategies, as well as attention to health and disability literacy. In addition, communication interventions geared for long-term preparedness, should consider the underlying psychological aspects of potential life events and disease. Research that reflects what children like to talk about, how they receive messages and information, is a critical component when designing tailored communication interventions for specific age or gender groups. This session explores the theory, practice and lessons learned about communicating with children in a variety of settings and public health areas including nutrition, social and emotional development, chronic illnesses, emergencies and disease outbreaks, sun safety, smoking reduction, health hygiene and HIV/AIDS

Session Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Discuss the importance of communicating with children as a key public health approach; 2. Identify key theoretical and practical elements of effective communication with children; 3. Discuss relevant case studies and lessons learned.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)