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 that isboth senseless and harmful. Especially in the aftermath ofa mass shooting incident, many children — those living inclose proximity to the event and those who will learn about
the event through television, social media, or newspaper
coverage — will be affected and upset.

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 orreprimand them.

Communicate effectively with your children
A mass shooting incident can result in confusion anddistress among many communities across the country.
Distress can result in distortion about the facts of theevent. 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 or
might 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.

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.

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:

Frequently asked 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 or other public
places?
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 rage,
extreme political or religious beliefs, and frank hatred.
Unfortunately, we usually can’t be sure what led a specificindividual acting in such a way. It does not help children
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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.

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 seek help from, or call, emergency services
if they are in danger. Always encourage your children
to say something when they see something suspicious.
Establishing a communication plan for locating familyWill this happen again and how do I keep my children safe? members can help to reduce anxiety. Parents should knowUnfortunately, violent events are likely to occur inwhere their children are and children should tell parents
the future. It is important to remember that despite ourwhen they have changed their location.
awareness, random violence rarely occurs and does notoccur in most neighborhoods. Remember that parents andIs my child okay?
professionals strive to keep our children safe yet allow themChildren will show a wide variety of reactions. There
the space they need to grow and develop. Use the following
is no “normal” reaction to stressful events. Some reactionsguidelines:
include tearfulness, separation or bedtime anxiety, andregression in behaviors. More severe reactions may include■ Set clear and consistent curfews.
reliving the trauma through dreams, emotional numbness,■ Have a clear method of communication in normal andincreased startle responses, withdrawal, and physicalemergency situations (e.g. cell phone).
symptoms like racing heartbeat, nausea, and changes in■ Educate them about places or situations that are more
appetite.
likely to put them in danger and teach them to
These types of events, while tragic, can sometimes lead
avoid high-risk exposures.
to positive opportunities. They become opportunities to■ Monitor federal and local advice about risks that might
open, or reopen, channels of communication among family
surface.
members. They may provide us opportunities to appreciateeach 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
■ Strive to keep open communication with children andhow they will cope with future difficult times or topics. It isadolescents.
important to focus on what might positively emerge from
Know your children’s whereabouts, who they are with,these tragic events while we also acknowledge tragic losses.
and when they are to return home.

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 PediatricsAmerican Psychiatric Association
American Psychological Association
American Red Cross

www.cstsonline.org
www.nctsn.org
www.aacap.org
www.aap.org
www.psychiatry.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