School Shooting: Tips for Parents of Children Who Are Afraid

The tips from the experts at elternseite.at and the emergency number 147 from Rat auf Draht include talking about the event in a fact-based and age-appropriate manner, without concealing or dramatizing anything. Uncertainty creates even more fear, it was said. Additionally, parents should allow all feelings. Grief, fear, anger, frustration, and annoyance are completely normal. When children feel that someone is there for them, they can calm down better and process the events, it was said on Tuesday.

After Attack in Graz School: Tips for Dealing with Media

The experts also provided tips on media consumption: Children under ten years old should not watch news broadcasts alone; it is better to obtain child-friendly information. Teenagers should consume the coverage together with their parents. In case of questions, one can research together. It is also advisable to consciously take breaks from the news. Distraction and diversion are also beneficial.

The many reports in the media and the omnipresence of the topic often cause children to fear that a shooting spree could also happen at their school. "Fortunately, events like these are still the exception. If these reports still scare children, it is very important to talk about it. This often helps to reduce the fear a little," said Satke.

Also good to know: elternseite.at offers individual video counseling for parents and caregivers. For all young people, the experts of the emergency number 147 are available around the clock, free of charge and anonymously.

(APA/Red.)

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