How to help children cope after shootings like the San Diego mosque killings
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- Two teenage gunmen killed three men at the Islamic Center of San Diego while about 140 children were in classrooms; quick police and staff actions prevented harm to the children, and the perpetrators died by self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
- Children directly exposed to the shooting are at high risk for post-traumatic stress symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, clinginess, irritability, and behavioral regressions, with proximity being a strong predictor of trauma impact.
- Children in the surrounding community may also experience anxiety and suicidal thoughts after such events, especially those with prior trauma, highlighting the need for prompt mental health support and community resources like teletherapy.
- Experts emphasize the importance of open, age-appropriate communication between caregivers and children to help them process the event, correct misconceptions, and foster a sense of psychological safety.
- Caregivers should teach children coping strategies such as grounding techniques and deep breathing, model calm behavior, and prioritize their own mental health to effectively support their children after traumatic incidents.