“Violence and traumatic events act so that children and adults often feel as if the ground has slipped from under their feet, and such events are not something that is easy to explain and understand,” the organization states.
They state that tragedies must be discussed and conditions must be provided so that we can understand what happened, “face difficult and painful feelings, and, based on that, take steps to ensure that similar things never happen again.”
In all of this, Save the Children says, we must ensure that all children affected by violence “receive protection, receive health support, which includes mental health support, and have the right to express their feelings and opinions.”
When talking to children and young people, Save the Children recommends:
- Refrain from mentioning frightening details and analyzing events. Briefly explain what happened, if necessary, then let them talk about how they are and let them know that all their feelings are normal. Allow them to ask questions. Do not lie to children to comfort them, rather say that you do not know the answer, but that you will do everything to keep them safe.
- Address any concerns that children may have, even if they are unfounded – children may believe that gun violence often happens at school and that school is not a safe place. Help children understand how they can protect themselves in all kinds of emergency situations, and make them aware that they can run, seek shelter and hide.
- Give them the opportunity to say what they think about the content they have the opportunity to see on social networks about this event. If you assess together that harmful content is circulating, help them stop its spread.
- Help children not feel alone by reminding them that this tragedy has affected many children and adults, and to think about the situation from the point of view of compassion for themselves and all others who are suffering.
It’s normal for children to be scared, but if your child is showing more pronounced symptoms of fear, anger, or withdrawal, seek professional mental health help. Get informed and learn to recognize the signs of trauma.
