- UK’s terror threat level is now ‘critical’ following the Manchester terror attack
- Troops are to be deployed onto streets amid fears another ‘may be imminent’
- The NSPCC advises parents listen to their child if they wish to discuss events
- Reassure your child they are safe and try to carry on with your lives as normal
Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline
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The UK’s terror threat level has been raised to ‘critical’ following the Manchester terror atrocity, meaning further attacks may be imminent.
Some 22 innocent concertgoers were slaughtered in the suicide attack, many young children. A further 59 were left injured.
But explaining such risks to youngsters can be challenging, as parents try to avoid frightening them while also ensuring they are informed.
Dr Andrea Danese, a child psychiatrist at King’s College London, said: ‘Children can respond to these events with emotional, behavioural and physical symptoms.
‘It is not uncommon for children to become fearful, clingy, or jumpy; to worry about the same traumatic thing happening again; to become very moody or easily upset (or, in contrast, becoming detached or numb); or to develop headaches and stomach-aches.’
The NSPCC has issued advice to help parents talk to their children about terrorism.
Explaining terrorism to children can be difficult as we want to inform but not frighten them
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UK TERROR THREAT IS ‘CRITICAL’
The UK terror threat has been raised to the highest level of ‘critical’, meaning attacks are imminent.
The decision comes after Monday night’s attack at Manchester Arena, which killed at least 22 and injured 59.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd says it ‘seems likely’ that suspected bomber Salman Abedi was not acting alone.
The prime minister said she did not want the public to feel ‘unduly alarmed’ by the decision to raise the terrorism alert, but said it was a ‘proportionate and sensible response’.
Back in 2006, the threat level was raised to critical for the first time during a major operation to stop a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners with liquid bombs.
The following year, security chiefs raised it again as they hunted for the men who had tried to bomb a London nightclub, before attacking Glasgow Airport.
How to talk to your child about terrorism:
1. Let them open up
If a child comes to you with concerns, make sure you listen without judgement and do not dismiss their worries.
Dr Danese said: ‘Children should not be forced to talk about the attack if they do not want to.
‘However, parents should be open and supportive if their children ask questions or want to talk.
‘Parents should provide honest and accurate information or answers to help their children make sense of what has happened and clarify any misunderstandings about the event.
‘Parents can explain that it is normal to be sad and upset after such horrific events.’
2. Reassure and comfort them
Rather than launching into a complicated, alarming explanation of terrorism, reassure the child that they are safe and the attack is over.
Dr Danese also advises patients discourage children from re-watching terrorism-related footage on the news or social media, as well as trying to keep life as normal as possible.
She said: ‘Parents can help their children to regain a sense of control over their lives.
‘It is important to keep normal routines and daily activities to minimise the sense of loss and unpredictability.’
3. Look out for signs of bullying
Some children may feel targeted because of their faith or appearance.
Signs include them seeming embarrassed or scared.
Reassure them that it is not their fault that these incidents have occurred and they can always talk to you.
If you are concerned your child may be bullying another over this, calmly explain to them that such behaviour is unacceptable and somebody’s appearance or beliefs does not make them a terrorist.
Either way, alert their school if you are concerned there is an issue.
4. Help them find support
Services such as Childline, which is free, confidential and runs 24/7, can help children understand distressing events. The service can be reached on 0800 1111.
Dr Danese said: ‘Parents should talk to their GP if symptoms limit what their children can do in their everyday life (e.g. if they don’t want to leave the home or their behaviour becomes very worrying).
‘They should also talk to their GP if symptoms persist for long (e.g., more than a month).’
To best support their child, parents should also look after their own wellbeing and seek professional advice if needed, Dr Danese added.
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