Talking to Kids after a Tragedy such as Occurred in Paris

Here are few resources and thoughts:

(1) From: Common Sense Media – “It's hard to shield kids from the terrible and tragic news of the Paris attacks. Between TV and social media, they are likely to come across some aspect of the events. Here are some suggestions for talking to your kids about what they are seeing in the news.” https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/explaining-the-news-to-our-ki... ce=November+2015+-+Paris+Attacks&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly

(2) See Resources at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network – http://nctsn.org/ .

(3) See Time Magazine online – http://time.com/4112751/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-the-attacks-...

See Crisis Response Resources from our Center – http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/crisisresp.htm

Comments and exchange on the APA Division 53 website >“I work in a small therapeutic high school with students predominantly anxious and depressed, many of whom have experienced histories of trauma. I am wondering about the pros and cons of addressing the tragedies in Paris with the students as a whole group versus being available for students on an individual basis in the counseling office. Tomorrow, I intend to talk to teachers and advisors about monitoring the students, providing support, and referring them to our counseling office. I was asked about also having a special community meeting with a moment of silence for the victims and their families but want to make sure we would not risk placing some students at risk for heightened anxiety. I appreciate any feedback.” >“I think the school having a minute of silence in tribute to all affected is humane, relevant, and not unduly anxiety provoking. That could be done with students in their home room at the beginning of the day. Beyond that, the support you describe putting in place sounds sensible.” Mary A. Fristad, Professor,The Ohio State University >“I agree with Mary. Also, if you have a moment of silence in their home room at the beginning of the day, it gives teachers the opportunity to identify students who may become triggered by the event and refer them for individual counseling. If it only comes up less formally, within their peer groups, it will be more difficult to determine students' reactions and provide appropriate support.” Amanda Zayde, Assistant Professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine