Loyola Medicine pediatrician Hannah Chow offers answers to some frequently asked questions...

When's the right time to address a tragedy with my child?

Use your best judgment, based on your child's age and emotional maturity. "The older they are, the quicker you should tell them," Dr. Chow said. "You want to get in front of any misinformation, as they may have already heard the news from another source."

Tread cautiously with younger children. "They may not be aware of what's happening, but can pick up the emotions of those around them," Dr. Chow said. "I've always advised parents to address these issues in a timely manner and give them a brief modified version of what happened. Most importantly, remember to be truthful."

Should I let my child watch news coverage?

Watch the news first and use your best judgment. Set limits. "The news can be pretty intense for viewers under the age of 10," Dr. Chow said. "Don't leave the TV on for hours."

Use news coverage as a teaching moment. "Have a discussion while watching the news and help them digest the information afterward," Dr. Chow said. "The older they are, the more they will be able to comprehend and process."

How do you answer concerns about information they may have learned in school and from friends?

Most school-age children receive their initial information from friends and classmates. Ask them what they have heard, and correct any errors or misconceptions. "I would inform them that the information they may have received from school or classmates may not be entirely correct or may have missed important details," Dr. Chow said.

Assure your children you are available to answer any questions or concerns they may have.

How do I assure my child that their safety is a priority?

Children thrive in a safe, secure environment. "Let them know you are here for them and that you will do your best to protect them," Dr Chow said. "Also, remind them of how protected they have been in the past."

For children old enough to understand, create a safety plan. "Talk to your kids about safety, how to find safe places and how to locate the nearest exit wherever they are," Dr. Chow said. "Have a plan for how they can communicate with you in case a tragedy occurs."

What are some tips for dealing with an anxious child who may be scared?

"Your child may be uneasy or on edge from the news. Reassure them that bad things like this don't often happen," Dr. Chow said. "I would point out that 99 percent of what people worry about never happens."

Dr. Chow suggests children write down the good and happy things about their life and reference them frequently. But if your child is having a harder time than usual, seek professional help.

How do I assure my child that not all people are bad?

Talk about character and how to identify adults who can be trusted. "Point out that the majority of people can be trusted," Dr. Chow said. "Teachers, firefighters, police officers, medical professionals - they are there to help you in the event you need them." She adds, "I would let them know that only a small number of people want to hurt people and that people are usually kind to one another."

News reports, conversations overheard between adults and law enforcement activities witnessed firsthand also can impact youngsters’ attitudes, thoughts and behavior to the point that professional intervention may be needed, according to Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth (TLC), New Jersey’s primary youth suicide prevention program at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

“Children of all ages are reacting as if they have experienced a traumatic event. Some would say they have,” said Maureen Brogan, TLC statewide coordinator.

Below, Brogan gives advice on how parents and educators can help children maintain or regain their sense of safety and security, particularly following the recent violent tragedies at schools.

How should parents react to violence being reported by the news media as their children are watching?

Breaking news could raise the level of anxiety and concern unnecessarily. What is important to remember at all times is that children look to adults for their reactions. They are very attuned. If we abruptly say “turn off the news,” they may think things are very bad. Instead, we should talk about the news with them. When breaking news is being reported, some details are often sketchy and some reporting may not be accurate. We should explain that and try to give some perspective. It is also an opportunity to teach children about reliable news sources and help them separate what is fact from what is opinion, since it can be difficult for them to distinguish between the two.

For older youngsters, it often helps if we guide their thinking. If parents and educators regularly discuss current events, then, when a tragic event occurs, they will be more accustomed to talking about it and will understand it better.

How should we explain why violence is occurring?

Don’t pretend to understand why violence is occurring. It’s okay to say, “Honestly I do not know why this is happening now.” But explain that it is clear that whoever carried out the violence are troubled individuals unable to think clearly about how to deal with their feelings and problems, that unfortunately they were unable to control their impulses or urges to hurt others. It’s a time when you can explain that most people do not act that way and to try to make children understand the good things people do and how a community comes together to help one another during a tragedy and its aftermath.

What are some of the more recognizable warning signs from a child emotionally impacted by watching news reports or witnessing violence?

In younger children, we may see some physical symptoms and signs of raised anxiety, such as stomach aches, changes in eating habits, nightmares. When children have trouble focusing it could be a red flag that their thinking is going somewhere other than where it should be at the time. They may experience separation anxiety and want their parents not to leave them to go to work. Some become sad and withdrawn, some may refuse to attend school, and others worry excessively about someone they love becoming a victim. While a certain level of fear or anxiety is normal, if reactions are particularly strong and interfering with their normal lives, you may want to explore seeking professional help.

If events occur while children are at school, who can they rely on to discuss what is occurring?

You should encourage children to develop a few “trusted adults,” such as an extended family member, a coach, a maintenance worker, a teacher, a security guard – people whom they trust and who are responsible individuals. Many school systems have “trusted adults” programs so that children can talk to caring and responsible adults when troubling events occur. When children return home, it will be helpful to talk about what they discussed with their trusted adults. This creates a safety net to help in the aftermath of a traumatic event.