Social Psychologist Warns About the Negative Impact of Smartphones on Teenagers' Mental Health
Smartphones negatively impact teenagers' mental health. Traumatic events can lead to long-lasting effects in children, requiring careful and honest communication.
Children can be profoundly affected by traumatic events, such as crime or natural disasters. How adults respond to a child's questions and reactions during such incidents can have a lasting impact on the child's mental health and well-being.
Impact of Trauma on Children
According to a report by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) published in April 2021, children who experience trauma during childhood may suffer long-lasting negative effects that extend into adulthood. The effects of trauma can be psychological, behavioral, social, and even biological, requiring a delicate approach by adults to help children cope.
Law Enforcement's Role
The FBI emphasizes the importance of law enforcement and caregivers in providing a supportive and truthful environment for children during and after traumatic events. The agency highlights the need for a coordinated approach across sectors to mitigate the harm from childhood trauma and reduce its link to justice system involvement.
Guidance for Talking to Children
The FBI provides specific guidance on how to talk to children about traumatic events. This includes steps such as providing trauma notification in a private space, being honest with children about the events, using a soft-tone voice, and following up with children to address their emotional responses.
Limiting Exposure to Media
The FBI also advises limiting or avoiding social media and news coverage of traumatic events, as excessive exposure can further distress children. This was evident in a case where a child, separated from his sister who had gone missing and was later found to have been murdered, was shielded from news coverage by his adoptive parents.
Real-Life Impact
Real-life cases, such as that of a Florida teacher who was killed in front of her children, underscore the urgent need to protect children from the devastating effects of traumatic events. The impact of trauma on children can manifest in various ways, including absences from school, poor academic performance, and increased risk of mental health issues in adulthood.
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