We are heartbroken by the shocking acts of gun violence that occurred yesterday. These tragedies reverberate through our communities and reach children in ways we often don’t realize. While adults struggle to process grief and fear, children—who are still learning how the world works—can be especially vulnerable to the stress, confusion, and anxiety that follow violent events.
Lessons From 9/11: How Children Experience Tragedy
Today also marks 24 years since September 11, 2001. For many of us, the memory is still vivid—the repeated footage of planes striking buildings, the endless replay of collapsing towers. Children who were old enough to watch couldn’t escape those images, and for many, the memories shaped how they understood the world.
Today, the challenge is even greater. Social media means children have constant access to graphic videos, photos, and commentary about shootings and other tragedies. Unlike in the past, when adults could limit TV time, kids now carry the news in their pockets, often with little filter.
Repeated exposure to violent footage can overwhelm children. They may replay traumatic clips, encounter rumors or misinformation, and struggle to separate reality from commentary. While young people shouldn’t carry the weight of the world’s tragedies, digital platforms often make it unavoidable.
Parenting Through Tragedy
Parenting during moments of national or local tragedy is overwhelming. You may feel pressure to explain the unexplainable or comfort your child when you’re also hurting. While there’s no perfect script, there are a few important steps you can take to help:
1. Check In With Your Child
Start with gentle, open-ended questions. Ask:
“What have you heard about what happened?”
“How are you feeling about it?”
Listening first gives you a sense of what they know and what worries them most.
2. Limit Exposure
Turn off the TV when tragic footage is being repeated. Set healthy boundaries around social media use, especially after a violent event. Encourage breaks from screens so kids can rest and reset without constant reminders of tragedy.
3. Offer Comfort and Reassurance
Children need to know they are loved and safe. Provide reassurance by explaining the steps adults take to keep them protected. Simple gestures—sitting close, reading together, sticking to routines—can help children feel grounded.
4. Keep the Conversation Ongoing
Children may revisit their worries days or weeks later. Be prepared for repeated questions and ongoing emotions. That’s normal. Consistency and patience help them work through their feelings.
The Role of Pediatricians and the AAP
As pediatricians, we see firsthand how violence and repeated exposure to trauma affect children’s mental and physical health. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to advocate for meaningful gun violence prevention, recognizing its lasting impact on children and families.
Pediatricians are also here to guide parents through conversations about tragedy, helping families navigate media exposure, age-appropriate discussions, and the stress these events place on young minds.
Resources for Parents
If you’re unsure how to talk to your child about what they’ve seen or heard, you’re not alone. The AAP provides trusted resources to help families approach these difficult conversations with care.