How to Help Kids Cope with Paris Attacks

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — Images capturing the horror and chaos of the Paris attacks are flooding the internet and televisions around the world, leaving many parents with the task of how to explain violence like this to their children. “That‘s a tough call,” said resident Phillip Waddell. “I would say it depends on the age,” added resident Diane Ross. University of South Carolina Psychology Professor Kim Hills said many factors play into this conversation including the child’s age, their curiosity about the attacks and how much exposure they’ve had to it. “With many kids they can have experiences where they may have some worries related to it, it may happen to them, it may happen in their hometown, and it may create some anxiety,” explained Hills. To help children cope in the wake of the attacks on Paris, Hills said it’s important for parents to discuss the tragedy if they know their children were exposed to images or reports through the media or at school. “One of the things that is important is to talk about the facts and try to think about what developmental level is important, so for young children we usually want to stick to the facts,” said Hills. In addition, Hills said it is important for parents to demonstrate coping, resilience and optimism for their children.