This ever-present violence in the media, along with the brutal acts that children may see and sometimes personally experience, can have many adverse consequences for them. Some youngsters learn to resolve their own conflicts in a violent manner. Others become seemingly desensitized to violence and the pain and distress of others. Some retreat into a shell, avoiding people and the world around them. When you child is exposed to an actual traumatic event, including a violent crime, his response may vary.
Some youngsters become fearful.
They may avoid leaving home, and they may have difficulty concentrating in school. Even minor changes in their daily routines can upset them terribly. Their appetites often change, too, and they may complain of headaches, stomachaches, and other vague symptoms. They might have trouble sleeping. Post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition widely discussed as it applies to Vietnam war veterans, can occur in childhood as well.