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The events of September 11, 2001 exposed children to a side of humanity they had not seen before. The fear that results from this terrorism can be traumatic for a child.
This page contains resources that will show you how to look for signs that your child has been traumatized by terrorism and how to interact with traumatized children. In addition, we've also included a list of service providers who can offer help to a traumatized child.
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Terrorist |
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There is a wide range of emotional and physiological reactions that children may display and experience following a tragic event like an act of terrorism. Adults need to be tolerant of that behavior and need to explain to children that it is okay to be upset or disturbed. These severe reactions are often associated with a higher degree of exposure (i.e., life threat, physical injury, witnessing death or injury, hearing screams, etc.), closer proximity to the terrorist act.
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Signs & Symptoms |
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| More Signs & Symptoms |
- Helplessness and passivity; lack of usual responsiveness Loss of interest in activities
- Generalized fear, Heightened arousal and confusion and accident proneness
- Inability to understand death as permanent, Anxieties about death
- Avoidance of or alarm response to specific trauma-related reminders involving sights and physical sensations
- Aggressive behavior and angry outbursts
- Increased self-focusing, depression and social withdrawal
- School avoidance and decline in school performance
- Worry and concern for others
- Changes in behavior, mood, and personality, trauma-driven acting out, such as with sexual activity and reckless risk taking
- Regression (behaving like a younger child)
- Confusion and inadequate understanding of traumatic events (more evident in play than in discussion) and preoccupation with danger
- Effort to distance oneself from feelings of shame, guilt, and humiliation
- Excessive activity and involvement with others, or retreat from others in order to manage inner turmoil
- Wish for revenge and action-oriented responses to trauma
- Sleep and eating disturbances, including nightmares
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Dos & Don'ts |
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| Dos |
Don'ts |
- Create a safe environment
- Provide children with reassurance and extra emotional support
- Be honest with children about what happened
- Tell children what the government is doing
- Try to put the attack in perspective
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- Continue to expose the child to traumatic events on (either on radio or television)
- Ignore your child's concerns
- Think that children are too young, not aware, or effected
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