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?

If the child is curious about the news and want to find out more about current affairs, I don't see why not. I get that there is a desire to protect their innocent mind and rose-tinted glasses but they will be exposed to these things sooner than later, what with social media and what not. We'll end up short-changing them of knowledge and information. I rather they learn from legitimate sources of media like newspapers and news broadcasts rather than a dodgy website or through a random rant on someone's social media.