09/12/2025
We are heartbroken by the shocking acts of gun violence that occurred yesterday, which reverberate through our communities and are witnessed by children – in more ways than we often realize.
On September 11th, which happened 24 years ago today, we learned how repeated footage of tragedy affects children. On 9/11, children couldn’t escape the TV footage of planes crashing and buildings falling. Now, graphic videos of shootings circulate on social media, exposing kids to violence they aren’t ready to see. Children shouldn’t carry the weight of the world’s tragedies on their screens.
Parenting through these moments is scary and overwhelming, but parents can help support children by checking in, limiting exposure, and offering comfort and safety. And as pediatricians, AAP remains deeply committed to advocating for gun violence prevention and its lasting impact on young people.
For parent resources about how to speak to children about tragic news events, visit www.healthychildren.org: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/talking-to-children-about-tragedies-and-other-news-events.aspx
