I used to turn to HLN when I had a little time to watch television. During the Casey Anthony trial in 2011, the case seemed to be on every time I turned it on. I remembered following some of the O. J. Simpson trial, too. This time I wanted to switch the television off. What I kept hearing was an argument about the adults, and what I kept thinking about was Caylee.
What the record says
Caylee Anthony was two years old when she died. A jury acquitted her mother, Casey Anthony, of first-degree murder in July 2011. The jury convicted her on separate charges of providing false information to law enforcement. Read the archived case summary.
Watch for the difference between reporting and commentary
A headline can tell you what someone alleged. A verdict tells you what the jury decided. If you come across a clip after the fact, look for the date and check where in the proceedings it came from before drawing conclusions or sharing it.
Give children room to ask about upsetting news
If your child hears about a case, ask what they heard and what they’re worried about. Give a short answer using facts you know, then let them decide whether they have another question. You can switch off a repeated segment and still be available to talk later.
For other ways to start that conversation, see what to ask when children see something upsetting in the media.