Psychologists warn of trauma in children following Turkish school shootings

Following recent armed incidents in schools across various cities in Turkey, psychological experts are warning about the impact on children. Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Büyükgöze Kavas, a faculty member at Ondokuz Mayıs University, emphasizes that these unexpected events must be treated as crises.

Experts advise that children should be exposed to as little imagery and detail of the incidents as possible. It is crucial for parents, teachers, and school administrators to maintain calmness to help children regain a sense of security.

Short-term psychological and physical reactions in children may include hypervigilance, feeling unsafe, separation anxiety from parents, and refusal to attend school. Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, sleep disturbances, nightmares, and changes in eating habits may also occur. If left untreated, these symptoms can evolve into long-term issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).