Mass shooting incidents can upset an entire nation. Even if your family does not live in the community where the incident occurred, you may be negatively impacted by the news of the event. Children may be concerned about their well-being and whether a similar incident will occur in their school. Most of the time, limiting your child's exposure to news of the event and helping them process their fears and insecurities at home is enough to help your child cope. However, for some children, discussions at home will not be enough to help them feel safe and secure. These children may benefit from professional counseling. Below, you will find some signs that your child may need professional counseling after learning about a mass shooting incident. 

Your Child Shows an Obsession With the Incident

It is common for children and adults to be curious about mass shooting incidents. Many people want more information about the incident to try and make sense about why and how it occurred. However, some people become obsessed with the incident, wanting to know every detail about the event. This obsession can create even greater insecurities and feelings of helplessness. 

If your child insists on reading or watching about the incident, even after you have discussed the incident, they may need professional help to process their emotions about the event. A professional can address their underlying concerns better than news stories about the incident. 

Your Child Begins to Research Similar Incidents 

Similar to an obsession with a particular incident, if your child becomes overly interested in mass shootings in general, it may be a sign that they feel insecure, frightened, or overwhelmed after a recent mass shooting. A counselor can help your child figure out why they are curious about mass shootings and identify underlying issues, if there are any. 

Your Child Begins to Avoid School 

If your child begins to create reasons to not attend school after they learn about a mass shooting, it may be a sign that they feel insecure at their school environment. Your child may not tell you that they feel uncomfortable or afraid. Instead, they may pretend to be ill or may skip school without your knowledge. If truancy becomes an issue soon after a mass shooting, your child may need to discuss their safety concerns with a professional in order to be able to attend school and feel comfortable enough to benefit from their education. 

Your Child Expresses Concerns About Specific Students at Their School 

Often, when a child learns about a mass shooting, they may start to identify potential shooters all around them. If your child expresses concerns about a specific student or a group of students at your school, it may mean that they have internalized their grief and fear. However, it may also mean that there is a potential problem with the students that your child is concerned about, such as bullying or a feeling of stigmatization. 

A counselor can help your child sort through their emotions and identify real threats as opposed to unrealistic threats. They can also take appropriate action to warn school authorities when they deem it necessary. 

Your Child Has a Sudden Change of Behavior 

Sudden changes in behavior can be a cause for concern. This can include becoming withdrawn and depressed or acting out and misbehaving. If your child has a sudden, drastic change of behavior, you may want them to see a counselor. You should keep in mind that the change of behavior can be for several reasons and may not be related to the mass shooting. 

News of mass shootings can affect children all over the nation. If your child is moderately or severely upset for an extended period of time, professional counseling may help them feel better and gain control in their life. 

For more information, contact a local counseling center like Albano Fischetti Counseling.