Mental health in your newsroom

Ways to increase support and discussion of mental health for student journalists

As journalists, we are constantly asked to cover difficult topics. Without us, the world would be left to discover sensitive information on their own. Covering important stories can be mentally taxing – especially when we are required to cover issues that are close to our own interests and experiences.

In order to report accurately on topics, journalists must prioritize their own mental health – just as the directors of their newsroom should be looking out for issues that may be triggering for their journalists. Creating a collaborative environment requires journalists to feel safe: if they do not, it leads to inaccurate reporting and burnt out journalists.

Poynter journalist Taylor Blatchford compiled a list of ways for journalists to create and cultivate a safe space in their newsrooms and how to implement these strategies into your own student newsroom.

Create a safe space for your journalists to express their feelings and opinions on their job as a journalist, but also their position outside of the newsroom

When we create a space that encourages open discussion, journalists are more likely to feel free to express their opinions and feelings on topics that are important to them. Not only does this make for happier journalists, but also serves as a brainstorming activity. What is important to your journalists? Why? Run with it – and thank your journalists for their vulnerability along the way.

Determine how journalists can take a break from covering tough topics

Blatchford says taking time off is important for students journalists to recharge. She recommends focusing on beat reporting – assigning multiple students to a topic and allowing them to find their own story on the topic. This provides students with less intense work loads because they don’t have to cover all the information, but also gives students an outlet to express their feelings on the topic with a group of their peers. It also allows you to have more student bylines in your paper by attributing part of the work to multiple students.

Figure out collaborative ways to relax and recharge

Ask your students what helps them recharge and find ways to incorporate that into your news room. If taking a walk helps clear their head, encourage them to do so while in the newsroom. Often, students don’t have the ability throughout their school day to take a mental break. If there is time in the newsroom to do so, prioritize your students’ mental health and encourage them to do what they need to do to feel prepared for the next day and next assignment.

Research what mental health resources are available at your school and in your community. Many towns have free mental health resources for students. If it has been a particularly difficult news cycle, take the time to invest in your students’ mental well being by giving them a break. Short yoga classes, journaling activities, or the classic Kindergarten “quiet time” can make all the difference in your newsroom.

Have more ideas on what works? Let us know! We would love to hear from you.

Mask Madness

How, exactly, cloth mask protects from airborne viruses

Masks have become a staple in my every day fashion: I have a mask to

Photo by Vera Davidova on Unsplash

match the most casual of outfits, a velvet mask for any dressy occasions, and a mask with my team mascot on it to rep on campus.

Masks are a part of our daily routine – some cities and states have mask mandates, while others don’t enforce any policy but have thousands of citizens that choose to wear a mask. The effectiveness of masks has been debated since March; so, what do masks do?

The Conversation recently published an article listing known facts of cloth and disposable face masks at preventing the spread of airborne viruses. While cloth masks have imperfections, such as small holes in the cloth, the filtration of the cloth protects from airborne droplets that come from breathing, talking, sneezing, and singing. Virus particles cannot determine the direction they travel – they follow the momentum of their progression. So, whatever is in front of the particle, will block that from being projected into the air (at least partially).

What is the best material for cloth masks?

Research shows that woven cotton, flannel, tea towel material and cotton T-Shirt material is the most preventative fabrics that masks can be made out of.  This is based off a pleated medical mask design. For more specific prevention rates, click here.

Layering material is important to making your mask effective. Think about it: the more layers you are placing between your airborne particles and open air, the more likely it is that your mask will prevent those particles from being released.

What are the benefits of wearing a mask?

Cloth masks protect the wearer at a rate of 50% adoption of a 50% protective mask. According to Health Affairs, the COVID-19 daily case rate decreased on average of 1% in the first five days of a mask mandate being imposed. When the positive case rate per day nationally is sitting at 46,000 people, 1% is equal to nearly 5,000 people.

A new study suggests that when masks are worn, the severity of the case of COVID-19 is decreased.

What are the takeaways from mask studies? Wear a mask.

Looking for more information on cloth masks? Visit this site.

NBA question of the age: who is the GOAT?

LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan

The Los Angeles Lakers won the 2020 NBA championship Sunday, marking LeBron James’ tenth finals appearance and fourth win.

The Lakers win comes in an unprecedented year of the NBA: it shut down its games on March 11, only to resume the same season in July, when the NBA finals was originally scheduled to take place. Despite the years’ differences, the NBA’s arguably star player, James, prevailed in winning MVP rights in for the association.

With another title under his belt, the age old question comes to mind: Who is the Greatest of All Time?

If you ask any person this question, it’s natural to receive one of two answers: Michael Jordan OR LeBron James. Let’s break down the careers of the NBA’s two most notorious players.

Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls

Jordan delivered the Chicago Bulls a 6-0 finals performance record, winning MVP each time he appeared in the finals. Jordan’s career in the NBA lasted fifteen seasons from 1985 to 2003. Jordan played for only two teams in his career: the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards.

LeBron James and the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers

James has been in the game since 2003 – coincidentally, Jordan’s last year playing for the association. Notably, James has been a part of three different NBA teams, but in four different stints. James returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 after leaving for the Heat. He again left the Cavaliers to join another team, the Lakers.

James has been a part of 10 NBA Finals, winning the title four times with three different teams. James is one of only four players to reach the finals 1o times throughout his career. He was awarded MVP in all four winning championships.

So, who takes the title?

It will probably always be a debate of choice — but for now, we can rely on the two players’ stats and congratulate both for amazing careers. For more information comparing the two players’ stats, check out this article.