Eastern Carolina mental health experts caution parents to watch for anxiety in their kids following school shooting

GREENVILLE, NC (WITN) -Talking with children about violence, especially in schools, is the hardest part of a crisis for many parents, as a child’s well-being after a traumatic event is always uncertain.

Mental health experts and social workers we spoke with say that even though the shooting didn’t happen here, it doesn’t mean children here aren’t affected.

Experts say students may be at risk for developmental delays, physical symptoms and heightened emotions due to devastating news like that in Texas.

Parents can prepare for changes in the way their children act on a daily basis as they learn more about what’s happening in schools around the world.

Roxanne O’Kelley, Clinical Social Worker says, “We would expect kids to be a bit wary of going to school in fear that it might happen to their school. Some may develop separation issues to the point of not wanting to leave their parents worried that they might get hurt or their parents might get hurt, just a little anxiety.”

O’Kelley also emphasized the importance of talking to your son and being forgiving when it comes to behavioral outbursts.

Mental health experts recommend that when you talk to your child, keep the information as age-appropriate as possible to avoid confusion.

Copyright 2022 WITN. All rights reserved.