Sept 11 terror attack anniv could be traumatic for children?

Sydney, Sept 8: With the world to witness yet another sad reminder of the deadly Sept 11, 2001 terror attacks in the US on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the attacks, there is a warning of a different sort issued. Parents have been warned by experts that continuous viewing of the news coverage of the attacks could have a traumatic effect on young children.

The findings were made by a professor at the Australian National University, Canberra, Beverley Raphael. She has commented that the constant showing of the gruesome scenes in the aftermath of the attacks like dead bodies tumbling out of the twin towers could prove to be harmful for children.

She has also added that over emphasis on terror mastermind and former Al Qaeda head Osama Bin Laden and exposure to videos regarding him could evoke feeling of fear and anxiety, the sentiments similar to that of natural catastrophes like earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan. The fact was reported in the Australian Associated Press (AAP).

Raphael requested parents to ban children from watching the disturbing images for long periods. She suggested that parents switch channels in such a case, especially when they notice a change in the children's behaviour. Parents were also asked to give simple explanations when children confront them with questions regarding the terror attacks.

The Sept 11 attacks is considered the most deadly terror strike in the US by terror group Al Qaeda. Close to 3000 people were killed when terrorists hijacked four planes and rammed them into the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon Headquarters.

OneIndia News