Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Restoring a Sense of Safety in theAftermath of a Mass Shooting:Tips for Parents and Professionals
Too often our children are exposed to violence thatis both senseless and harmful. Many children — thoseliving in close proximity to the event and those who willlearn about the event through television, social media,
or newspaper coverage — will be affected and upset. Thetiming of this tragedy — the holiday season — puts more
responsibility on parents and professionals who interactwith children during the holidays, (camp counselors, churchleaders, etc) to provide a sense of safety and communication
around this event.
Communicate effectively with your children
A high profile event of this magnitude can result inconfusion and distress among communities across thecountry. Distress can result in distortion about the facts ofthe event. Therefore, special attention should be given whencommunicating with children and adolescents.
■■ When speaking with your children, it is best to use
communication that is factual, simple, clear andsensitively worded.
■■ Don’t overwhelm young children with too muchinformation. They might want to talk intermittently ormight need concrete information to be repeated.
■■ Use language that is appropriate to your child’s age.
■■ Young children sometimes exhibit “magical thinking”
which might lead them to believe they are responsible
for what happened.
■■ Children may have ideas or beliefs that are difficult toknow unless you ask them.
■■ Adults can encourage children to talk, but should
respect their wishes when they may not want to.
■■ Ensure that your children are not exposed to media
reports about the event that are repetitive, confusing, 		
or frightening.
Physical safety and security always take priority
It is difficult to predict children’s reactions to learning

about these types of events and whether children’s
immediate reactions will lead to sustained psychologicalproblems.
■■ Common posttraumatic responses in children include:nightmares or fears related to the trauma, avoidanceof reminders of the trauma, and repetitive play thatmimics the trauma.
■■ Some children may act out as a reaction. Talk to yourchild about what is troubling them and do not punish or
reprimand them.
While symptoms are often transient, they should beclinically treated if they persist. If you have questions,contact your child’s health care or behavioral health careprovider to seek advice or guidance.
Answers to some common questions
Below are some common questions and answers to help
guide caregivers addressing a confusing or senseless act ofmass violence with children and adolescents:
Is it okay for my child to go to the movies?
Parents need to make decisions about return tonormal activities based upon an assessment of risk. Most
violent events that involve children are single, rare andnon-repetitive. Children respond best when their lives
are minimally disrupted. For this reason it is importantfor children to continue their daily routines as soon areasonably possible. In the less likely circumstance where acontinued or lingering risk is present, parents are advised
to keep informed about new developments related to theevent and heed the advice of local authorities about how toproceed with daily activities.
Why do these things happen?
Children, like adults, often want to know the motivesof people responsible for these horrible events. Past
events have resulted from many causes including mental
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illness, rage, extreme political or religious beliefs, and frankhatred. Unfortunately, we usually can’t be sure what led a
specific individual acting in such a way. It does not help
children to have them fear groups of people who fall into
any specific demographic categories. Doing so only leads todiscrimination, stigma, and victimization of people who also
are struggling to cope with these events. More importantly,
help your children understand that adults, including
government authorities, work hard to identify and stop
dangerous events before they even happen.

Know your children’s whereabouts, who they are withand when they are to return home.

How does one plan for this type of emergency?
Discuss hypothetical emergency situations with yourchildren and calmly talk with them about what they can
do to keep themselves safe when danger presents itself.
Instruct them to trust and seek help from police and otherauthorities who are likely to be on the scene quickly. Always
encourage your children to say something when they see
something suspicious. Establishing a communication plan
for locating family members can help to reduce anxiety.
Will this happen again and how do I keep my children safe? Parents should know where their children are and children
Unfortunately, violent events are likely to occur inshould tell parents when they have changed their location.
the future. It is important to remember that despite ourawareness, random violence rarely occurs and does not
Is my child okay?
occur in most neighborhoods. Remember that parents andChildren will show a wide variety of reactions. Thereprofessionals strive to keep our children safe yet allow them is no “normal” reaction to stressful events. Some reactions
the space they need to grow and develop. Use the following
include tearfulness, separation or bedtime anxiety, andguidelines:
regression in behaviors. More severe reactions may include■ Set clear and consistent curfews.
reliving the trauma through dreams, emotional numbness,increased startle responses, withdrawal, and physical■ Have a clear method of communication in normal andsymptoms like racing heartbeat, nausea and changes inemergency situations (e.g. cell phone).
appetite.
■ Educate them about places or situations that are more
These types of events, while tragic, can sometimes lead
likely to put them in danger and teach them toto positive opportunities. They become opportunities toavoid high-risk exposures.
open, or reopen, channels of communication among family■ Monitor federal and local advice about risks that mightmembers. They may provide us opportunities to appreciatesurface.
each other more and to express our love for one another.
■ Be vigilant about safety in your community.
They may provide opportunities for families to better plan
how they will cope with future difficult times or topics. It is■ Strive to keep open communication with children andimportant to focus on what might positively emerge fromadolescents.
these tragic events while we also acknowledge tragic losses.
Online Resources
If you have any questions about your child’s health or response to a traumatic
event, you can seek professional advice from a community primary care or
behavioral care provider or review additional resources at the following sites:
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Psychiatric Association
American Psychological Association
American Red Cross

www.cstsonline.org
www.nctsn.org
www.aacap.org
www.aap.org
www.psych.org
www.apa.org
www.redcross.org

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
www.CSTSonline.org