Talking to Children About the Virginia Tech Tragedy

Silver Spring, MD (April 19, 2007) — The tragic events on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have led to many questions about the ways in which children are affected by trauma. How to deal with children, what to tell them, what not to tell them, and how to comfort them when they are exposed to graphic media coverage are important issues. Below is some advice for helping children during this difficult time:

Young Children

• Listen, and encourage children to ask questions and share their feelings.
• Answer questions truthfully without jargon, hyperbole, or euphemisms.
• Reassure children that everything will be okay. Stress the fact that they are safe.
• Protect them from what they don't need to know. Do not discuss worst-case scenarios.
• Limit the amount of television coverage they watch. Viewing frightening images over and over again can increase a child’s stress level and fear.
• Stick to your family’s daily routine as much as possible. Children should attend school and other activities as usual. Avoiding regular activities does not hel, and it can actually reinforce fear and anxiety.

Adolescents and College Students

• Be an active listener. Do not pressure your child to talk, but be ready with an open ear when he or she comes to you. Respect your child’s feelings even if you don’t fully understand what he or she is going through.
• Encourage your child to seek out peer support. Talking to peers or joining a support group can provide a good deal of comfort. School counseling centers often can refer students to support groups. 
• Provide information and options for seeking professional help. Feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety, and depression are normal following a traumatic event. But if these feelings are overwhelming and persistent, encourage your child to seek professional help and provide resources for getting it. Ask the school counseling center about available services, speak to your family physician, or search for a therapist in your area.

Related Information

Anxiety Disorders on Campus: The Growing Need for Mental Health Services

Coping with Trauma: Anxiety and Fear are Normal Reactions

GotAnxiety?  A Website Dedicated to Anxiety in College Students

Managing Traumatic Stress: Tips for Recovering from Disasters and Other Traumatic Events (American Psychological Association)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Symptoms, Self-Test and Treatment Options

Tips for College and University Students: Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of the Virginia Tech Shootings (American Psychological Association)

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