How to help children cope after shootings like the San Diego mosque killings
The recent shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has left many children traumatized. Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health symptoms in children who were either directly exposed or living nearby. Support from caregivers and mental health professionals is crucial in helping these children cope with the aftermath of such violence.
- ▪Approximately 140 children were present at the Islamic Center during the shooting incident.
- ▪The gunmen, influenced by white supremacist ideology, took their own lives after the attack.
- ▪Children exposed to the shooting may experience acute stress reactions, including nightmares and behavioral regressions.
- ▪Kids in the surrounding community can also show symptoms of anxiety and suicidal thoughts after such events.
- ▪Connecting affected children to mental health care is essential for their recovery.
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Children's Health How to help children cope after shootings like the San Diego mosque killings May 20, 20264:24 PM ET By Rhitu Chatterjee School children at San Diego mosque need support to process trauma of shooting Listen · 3:31 3:31 Transcript Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-5828810/nx-s1-9776839" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> Transcript People hold hands near the scene of a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday. Gregory Bull/AP hide caption toggle caption Gregory Bull/AP About 140 children in preschool through 3rd grade were in their classrooms at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday when police say two teenage gunmen killed three people.
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