INDIANAPOLIS, July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The acts of random terror plaguing Indiana, including the fatal shooting of one victim and wounding of another along the Indiana interstates, are claiming more casualties than meet the eye. Children throughout Indiana are becoming victims of fear, anxiety and depression. To help, KidsPeace, the 124-year-old children's crisis charity, which responded after the Columbine High School shootings and the Washington D.C. sniper attacks, is offering ways for parents and teachers to identify fears and help children in light of recent horrific acts.

The effects of trauma in children may linger and manifest themselves physically and behaviorally. KidsPeace Indiana State Manager Tim Elliott and the child experts at KidsPeace's five centers in Indianapolis, Muncie, South Bend, Merrillville, and Connersville have compiled a list of tips to help parents talk to their children about what the area has experienced and look out for future signs of the effects.

    Tips for Talking to Children About the Area's Tragedy

    1. Listen to children. Allow them to express their concerns and fears.

    2. Regardless of age, the most important issue is to reassure children of
       safety and security. Tell children that you, their school, their
       friends and their communities are all focused on their safety and that
       those around them are working for their safety. Have discussions about
       those dedicated to protecting them like police, teachers and other
       school officials, neighbors and all concerned adults throughout the
       community.

    3. When discussing the events with younger children, the amount of
       information shared should be limited to some basic facts. Use words
       meaningful to them (not words like terrorist, retribution, etc.). Share
       with them that some bad people have used violence to hurt innocent
       people in the area. Discuss that we don't know exactly by whom or why
       this was done, but violence has occurred. Do not go into specific
       details.

    4. School-aged children will ask, "Can this happen here, or to me?" Do not
       lie to children. Share that it is unlikely that anything like this will
       happen to them or in their community. Then reiterate how the community
       is focused on working to keep everyone safe in the community.

    5. Parents, caregivers and teachers should be cautious of permitting young
       children to watch news or listen to radio that is discussing or showing
       carnage. It is too difficult for most of them to process. Personal
       discussions are the best way to share information with this group.
       Also, plan to discuss this many times over the coming weeks. Be
       prepared to discuss this over the coming weeks.

    6. When discussing the events with preteens and teens, more detail is
       appropriate, and many will already have seen news broadcasts. Do not
       let them focus too much on graphic details. Rather, elicit their
       feelings and concerns and focus your discussions on what they share
       with you. Be careful of how much media they are exposed to. Talk
       directly with them about the tragedy and answer their questions
       truthfully.

    7. Although this group is more mature, do not forget to reassure them of
       their safety and your efforts to protect them. Regardless of age, kids
       must hear this message.

    8. Be on the lookout for physical symptoms of anxiety that children may
       demonstrate. They may be a sign that a child, although not directly
       discussing the tragedy, is very troubled by today's events. Talk more
       directly to children who exhibit these signs:

          Headaches                          Excessive worry
          Stomach aches                      Increased arguing
          Back aches                         Irritability
          Trouble sleeping or eating         Loss of concentration
          Nightmares                         Withdrawal
          Refusal to go to school            Clinging behavior

    9. Parents and caregivers should often reassure children that they will be
       protected and kept safe. During tragedies like these, words expressing
       safety and reassurance with concrete plans should be discussed and
       agreed upon within the family can provide the most comfort to children
       and teens.

If you are concerned about your children and their reaction to this or any tragedy, talk directly with their school counselor, family doctor, local mental health professional or have your older children visit KidsPeace's teen-help web site, www.teencentral.net which provides anonymous and clinically-screened help and resources for teen problems before they become overwhelming.

KidsPeace is a 124-year-old national children's crisis charity dedicated to giving hope, help, and healing to children facing crisis. Based in Bethlehem, PA with more than 50 centers nationwide, KidsPeace directly thousands of children a day with life-saving treatment to overcome the crises of growing up. With the help of VIP leaders including its national spokesperson Leeza Gibbons, KidsPeace helps millions more each year through educational outreach and awareness programs designed to help America's kids and parents anticipate, intervene in and master crises that can affect any child -- from disasters and personal traumas to family issues and neglect to life-threatening depression, eating disorders, and the many stresses of modern life. KidsPeace was named "The Outstanding Organization" of its kind in the country by the American Association of Psychiatric Services for Children and was called "a prototype of what we need for all children everywhere" by the late, nationally renowned child and family expert, Dr. Lee Salk.

Contact: Mark Stubis or Daphne Yeh

1-800-25-PEACE

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