When do you think that it is appropriate for a child to start reading the news? My son is turning 8 and is very keen on knowing what's happening around the world but I am afraid I may be risking him knowing too much at an early age - sex, violence, crimes, murder - isnt that too much gore for a child?

It is important for children to have an idea of what is happening in the world. Shielding our children and inhibiting their inquisitiveness will only make them become like frogs in a well. If there are such murder and violence cases reported in the news, you can then use the chance to explain to him about why some people do that. Everything is a learning opportunity. Besides, gory scenes in the news are censored or not shown.