Over 100 mass shootings have taken place in the U.S. since the rampage in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022. Not a single week in 2022 has passed without at least four mass shootings.
With gun violence, war and other tragedies in the news, children are often exposed to scary images and information.
Parents and caregivers are faced with the dilemma of wondering how to speak with their children about the unspeakable. How can adults help children feel safe when imagery about tragedies abounds throughout the media?
We are communication scholars who specialize in children and media. We have extensively studied children’s views of and responses to violence in the media. Our research findings and those of other scholars offer insights into how news can contribute to children’s fears and on how to help children cope.
Surrounded by news and information
In an era of 24-hour news coverage, it is likely that children will come across disturbing news content. For some kids, this exposure is deliberate. Teenagers report that they find it important to follow current events. And more than half of teens get their news from social media and slightly fewer get their news from YouTube.
No matter how much parents or caregivers try to shield children, then, they are likely to come upon the news.
The news as a catalyst for fear
Several studies have examined children’s fear responses to news. Six months after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, Boston-area parents reported that children who viewed more news coverage on the day of the attack were more likely to display symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, have behavior problems and show hyperactivity and/or inattention than children who watched less news.
More recently, an international survey of over 4,000 9-to-13-year-olds from 42 countries found that over half of the children were scared by news stories about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fear and anxiety can also be spurred by exposure to news events that are more commonplace. In a 2012 study of elementary school children in California, nearly half of them said they saw something on the news that made them scared. The news stories that were most frequently mentioned were natural disasters, kidnappings and burglaries.
Sadly, we live in a country where gun violence is common. A 2022 study found that children’s exposure to news coverage of mass shootings not only made them afraid for their personal safety, but was correlated with the belief that their school and society at large were dangerous.
Whether catastrophic or common, fear reactions endure. A survey of college students found that 50% of them could remember a specific news story that they had seen during childhood that frightened, worried or upset them. The effects included feeling scared and being unable to sleep. And 7% of participants said they were still frightened of that event at their present college age.
How to talk with kids about tragedies and traumatic events.
Age of the child matters
Clearly, media can frighten children and adolescents. But decades of research show that fright-inducing content does not affect all children the same way. Young children demonstrate what researchers call “perceptual dependence,” which means that they react to stimuli in terms of what those stimuli look, sound or feel like.
This often comes as a surprise to parents, but it helps explain why preschoolers may cry when they see movie characters like the Grinch or E.T. Preschool children are more likely to be frightened by something that looks scary but is actually harmless than by something that looks attractive but is truly harmful.
As children mature, they develop the capacity to be frightened by abstract threats. Studies of children’s reactions to news coverage of wars show that although children of all ages are affected, younger kids respond mainly to the visual aspects of coverage such as homes torn apart, whereas older children are more responsive to abstract aspects such as fears that the conflict will spread.
How to help children cope
Just as age affects how children absorb the news, age also influences which strategies are most effective in helping children cope. Noncognitive strategies typically involve avoidance or distraction. Closing one’s eyes, holding on to an attachment object, leaving the room or avoiding news altogether are examples. These strategies work best with younger children.
Cognitive strategies require the child to think about whatever is frightening them in a different way, with an adult often providing a verbal explanation to help. These strategies work best with older children. When dealing with depictions of fantasy, for example, a cognitive strategy that is quite effective is reminding children that what they see “is not real.”
Unfortunately, mass shootings are real. In these cases, the adult can emphasize that the news event is over, that it was far away or that such events are rare. Providing a reassuring message — that the child is safe and loved — also helps.
Mental health experts say parents need to initiate age-appropriate conversations with their children about mass shootings.
Recommendations for the youngest kids
For kids under 7, it is critical to limit exposure to the news. Watching a tragedy on the news can include graphic images and sounds. Very young children will not understand that what they see are replays of the same event and not another tragedy happening again.
Reassure the child. Kids at this age are most worried about their personal safety. It’s important to make them feel safe, even when the adults themselves are worried, as studies show that fear is contagious.
Distraction is also helpful. Although it is important to listen and not downplay concerns, doing something fun together that takes a child’s mind off what is happening can go a long way.
How to help kids in the 8-12 range
For kids between the ages of 8 and 12, it is still important to limit exposure. Admittedly this is more challenging as children age. But making a concerted effort to turn off the news is helpful, especially if the child is sensitive.
Talk about news. If kids go online, try to go with them. Consider setting URLs to open to nonnews portals.
Be available for conversation. Ask kids about what they know. Correct any misconceptions with facts. Listen carefully and ask what questions kids have, and then respond honestly with a focus on the basics. Reassure children that they’re safe and that it is OK to feel upset.
Do something to help. Consider ways to help survivors and their loved ones.
Dialing in with teens’ needs
When it comes to teens, it is critically important to check in. In all likelihood, teens learn of news events independent of their parents. But parents and caregivers should offer to talk with them to get a sense of what they know about the situation. This also gives the adult an opportunity to listen to underlying fears and offer insights. Again, try to address concerns without dismissing or minimizing them.
Help teens develop news literacy. If parents or caregivers disagree with how a news event is portrayed in the media, they should discuss this with their child. Emphasizing that there can be misinformation, repetition or exaggeration might help teens put tragic events into a wider perspective.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
Red flags missed: How July 4 suspect slipped through system
AP
CHICAGO (AP) — Days after a rooftop gunman killed seven people at a parade, attention has turned to how the assailant obtained multiple guns and whether the laws on Illinois books could have prevented the Independence Day massacre.
Illinois gun laws are generally praised by gun-control advocates as tougher than in most states. But they did not stop Robert E. Crimo III from carrying out the attack in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park.
One focus is on the state's so-called red-flag law, which is intended to temporarily take away guns from people with potentially violent behavior. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have such laws.
Here's a look at Illinois' red-flag and gun-licensing laws, and whether they could have been applied to Crimo:
AP
CHICAGO (AP) — Days after a rooftop gunman killed seven people at a parade, attention has turned to how the assailant obtained multiple guns and whether the laws on Illinois books could have prevented the Independence Day massacre.
Illinois gun laws are generally praised by gun-control advocates as tougher than in most states. But they did not stop Robert E. Crimo III from carrying out the attack in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park.
One focus is on the state's so-called red-flag law, which is intended to temporarily take away guns from people with potentially violent behavior. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have such laws.
Here's a look at Illinois' red-flag and gun-licensing laws, and whether they could have been applied to Crimo:
Red flags missed: How July 4 suspect slipped through system
AP
The law, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2019, authorizes judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from people deemed a danger to themselves or others by a judge, according to an explanation of the law by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, a state agency.
The court order, called a firearm restraining order, also bars them from buying guns.
The law is separate from domestic violence restraining orders and laws that mandate reporting of certain behavior by some professional, such as teachers.
Illinois' red-flag law, as in many states, is a civil matter. It is meant to be invoked within hours or days of someone making threats or displaying threatening behavior. It's not meant to be invoked as a result of a clear crime.
AP
The law, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2019, authorizes judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from people deemed a danger to themselves or others by a judge, according to an explanation of the law by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, a state agency.
The court order, called a firearm restraining order, also bars them from buying guns.
The law is separate from domestic violence restraining orders and laws that mandate reporting of certain behavior by some professional, such as teachers.
Illinois' red-flag law, as in many states, is a civil matter. It is meant to be invoked within hours or days of someone making threats or displaying threatening behavior. It's not meant to be invoked as a result of a clear crime.
Red flags missed: How July 4 suspect slipped through system
AP
It appears that he did. But it isn't clear just who knew about it and when, and whether law enforcement agencies took the behavior seriously enough.
Less than three years ago, police went to Crimo's home following a call from a family member who said he was threatening "to kill everyone" there, according to Christopher Covelli, a spokesman for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.
Police confiscated 16 knives, a dagger and a sword, but said there was no sign he had any guns at the time, in September 2019. Earlier, in April 2019, police also responded to a reported suicide attempt by Crimo, Covelli said.
In photo: Lake County, Ill., State's Attorney Eric Rinehart
AP
It appears that he did. But it isn't clear just who knew about it and when, and whether law enforcement agencies took the behavior seriously enough.
Less than three years ago, police went to Crimo's home following a call from a family member who said he was threatening "to kill everyone" there, according to Christopher Covelli, a spokesman for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.
Police confiscated 16 knives, a dagger and a sword, but said there was no sign he had any guns at the time, in September 2019. Earlier, in April 2019, police also responded to a reported suicide attempt by Crimo, Covelli said.
In photo: Lake County, Ill., State's Attorney Eric Rinehart
Red flags missed: How July 4 suspect slipped through system
AP
Yes. He legally purchased the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle in Illinois within the past year.
Illinois state police, who issue gun owners' licenses, said in a statement that the then-19-year-old Crimo applied for a license in December 2019. Applicants under 21 require a parent or legal guardian to sponsor the application. His father sponsored his.
Sponsors must sign an affidavit that says the sponsor "shall be liable for any damages resulting from the minor applicant's use of firearms or firearm ammunition." The affidavit includes no specifics on liability if the sponsor's child uses a gun to commit a crime. It's also not clear if that liability extends beyond when the child turns 21, as Crimo did a year before the shooting.
State Police Director Brendan Kelly told reporters Wednesday that the father faces potential civil liability, and there is an ongoing investigation into criminal culpability. He said the matter would ultimately be decided in court.
A Crimo family attorney, Steve Greenberg, told the Chicago Tribune that the father was not aware of the threats when he helped his son with the application because his son lived with another relative at the time.
Asked if the suspect's parents might face any charges as a consequence of what their son did, Greenberg told The Associated Press that "there is zero chance they will be charged with anything criminal." He added: "They didn't do anything wrong."
AP
Yes. He legally purchased the Smith and Wesson M&P 15 semi-automatic rifle in Illinois within the past year.
Illinois state police, who issue gun owners' licenses, said in a statement that the then-19-year-old Crimo applied for a license in December 2019. Applicants under 21 require a parent or legal guardian to sponsor the application. His father sponsored his.
Sponsors must sign an affidavit that says the sponsor "shall be liable for any damages resulting from the minor applicant's use of firearms or firearm ammunition." The affidavit includes no specifics on liability if the sponsor's child uses a gun to commit a crime. It's also not clear if that liability extends beyond when the child turns 21, as Crimo did a year before the shooting.
State Police Director Brendan Kelly told reporters Wednesday that the father faces potential civil liability, and there is an ongoing investigation into criminal culpability. He said the matter would ultimately be decided in court.
A Crimo family attorney, Steve Greenberg, told the Chicago Tribune that the father was not aware of the threats when he helped his son with the application because his son lived with another relative at the time.
Asked if the suspect's parents might face any charges as a consequence of what their son did, Greenberg told The Associated Press that "there is zero chance they will be charged with anything criminal." He added: "They didn't do anything wrong."
Red flags missed: How July 4 suspect slipped through system
AP
They did. State police confirmed that they got a warning from Highland Park police months before Crimo applied for his license. It's not clear if the state agency went through Highland Park's report before granting the license.
A statement from state police said only that "there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger" to deny the application.
Under Illinois law, if Crimo had a felony conviction or had been committed for major mental health problems, he likely would not have gotten the license. He had no such record.
AP
They did. State police confirmed that they got a warning from Highland Park police months before Crimo applied for his license. It's not clear if the state agency went through Highland Park's report before granting the license.
A statement from state police said only that "there was insufficient basis to establish a clear and present danger" to deny the application.
Under Illinois law, if Crimo had a felony conviction or had been committed for major mental health problems, he likely would not have gotten the license. He had no such record.
Red flags missed: How July 4 suspect slipped through system
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
It appears to be used infrequently, though related records are sometimes sealed so it's difficult to get a full picture. Illinois legislation in 2021 included provisions to increase awareness of the state's red-flag laws and how to use them.
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority cites tracking done by one advocacy group, Speak for Safety Illinois, that reports 34 firearm restraining orders were filed in 2019 and 19 in 2020. Most were granted.
One suburban Chicago county, DuPage County, accounted for 12 of the filings in each year, it said. And no other county, including Lake County, which includes Highland Park, filed more than two in those years.
The vast majority of filings were by law enforcement, with family members accounting for just five filings in 2019.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
It appears to be used infrequently, though related records are sometimes sealed so it's difficult to get a full picture. Illinois legislation in 2021 included provisions to increase awareness of the state's red-flag laws and how to use them.
The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority cites tracking done by one advocacy group, Speak for Safety Illinois, that reports 34 firearm restraining orders were filed in 2019 and 19 in 2020. Most were granted.
One suburban Chicago county, DuPage County, accounted for 12 of the filings in each year, it said. And no other county, including Lake County, which includes Highland Park, filed more than two in those years.
The vast majority of filings were by law enforcement, with family members accounting for just five filings in 2019.
Red flags missed: How July 4 suspect slipped through system
AP
A relative, roommate or law enforcement officer can make the request by filing an application with a local circuit court. In some cases, others can seek to initiate the process by contacting police.
Red-flag laws in some states permit doctors, teachers and colleagues to file requests, while others limit filings solely to law enforcement.
In Illinois, the burden of proving to a judge that someone is a significant threat falls on those who file the request. They can draw on multiple sources, including witness statements about violent behavior, drug abuse, police records or any threatening social media posts and emails.
If a judge sides with the petitioner, the court issues a firearm restraining order, which allows law enforcement to immediately seize any guns from the person deemed a threat and bars them from purchasing guns and ammunition.
If they have one, they also must turn in their firearm owner's identification card.
AP
A relative, roommate or law enforcement officer can make the request by filing an application with a local circuit court. In some cases, others can seek to initiate the process by contacting police.
Red-flag laws in some states permit doctors, teachers and colleagues to file requests, while others limit filings solely to law enforcement.
In Illinois, the burden of proving to a judge that someone is a significant threat falls on those who file the request. They can draw on multiple sources, including witness statements about violent behavior, drug abuse, police records or any threatening social media posts and emails.
If a judge sides with the petitioner, the court issues a firearm restraining order, which allows law enforcement to immediately seize any guns from the person deemed a threat and bars them from purchasing guns and ammunition.
If they have one, they also must turn in their firearm owner's identification card.
Red flags missed: How July 4 suspect slipped through system
AP
An emergency order can been issued the same day and remains in effect for up to 14 days. The judge can rule on it without the presence of the subject of the request.
If the emergency order is issued, it is followed by a full hearing after which a judge will decide if a longer, six-month order is warranted. The standard of proof is higher at such a hearing. Subjects of a hearing can argue before a judge why an order isn't called for.
If the six-month order is issued, it cannot be easily extended. If the person who filed the initial request believes the subject of the order still poses a danger, another hearing with the same levels of proof must be held again.
AP
An emergency order can been issued the same day and remains in effect for up to 14 days. The judge can rule on it without the presence of the subject of the request.
If the emergency order is issued, it is followed by a full hearing after which a judge will decide if a longer, six-month order is warranted. The standard of proof is higher at such a hearing. Subjects of a hearing can argue before a judge why an order isn't called for.
If the six-month order is issued, it cannot be easily extended. If the person who filed the initial request believes the subject of the order still poses a danger, another hearing with the same levels of proof must be held again.
Red flags missed: How July 4 suspect slipped through system
AP
According to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, there's clear evidence that firearm restraining orders help prevent some suicides. It's less clear that they prevent deadly acts of gun violence, like mass shootings. The agency says the causes of such attacks are often too complex to draw clear links.
AP
According to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, there's clear evidence that firearm restraining orders help prevent some suicides. It's less clear that they prevent deadly acts of gun violence, like mass shootings. The agency says the causes of such attacks are often too complex to draw clear links.
With the ever-increasing media coverage of mass shootings in the U.S., even the youngest children are now repeatedly exposed to violent images on TV and online. Blend Images/Inti St Clair/Tetra Images via Getty Images