PLEASE RT: Advice from Stanford's Early Life Stress program in light of Newtown tragedy

Dear Community:

Today will be remembered as a sad day in our history.  The terror that occurred in Connecticut this morning has had an impact in our whole Nation, but especially on children, parents and educators.  As the Director of Stanford’s Early Life Stress Research Program at Packard, I feel the need to reach out based on questions I have received.  Sensitive approaches should be considered when supporting our community in the coming weeks.  Please use the following recommendations as you move forward.

1.       Reduce Exposure:  Children need to be protected from media coverage.  Exposure is one of the strongest predictors of post-traumatic reactions.

2.       Encourage Discourse:  Talking about the event should not be forced, but it should be made clear that the lines of communication are open.

3.       Do not expect Bravery:  Let children know that it is OK to be sad, upset and fearful.

4.       Provide a Message of Safety:  Let children know that we are here to protect them and that it is our responsibility to keep them safe.

5.       Seek Professional Help When Needed:  Special populations may be at risk of impaired academic, social and/or emotional functions (e.g.; individuals with prior history of trauma, history of anxiety disorders, younger children).

The problem of violence in our society cannot be addressed by treating children with psychosocial interventions.  The latter are necessary, but they only address the consequence vs. the cause.  Legislation, policy and  information needs to underscore the danger of exposure to weapons.  It is important to not fall prey to messages that state that this is not the time to address the politics of gun control; this is precisely the time, before desensitization returns.

You may also find the following resources helpful:

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Website:  www.aacap.org

(See “Facts for Families” and “Disaster Resource Center”)

National Child Traumatic Stress Network: www.nctsn.org

(See “Resources in response to the recent shooting”)

Stanford Early Life Stress and Pediatric Anxiety Program at Lucile Packard Website: www.elsrp.stanford.edu

(See my You Tube video on how to talk to children after a disaster)