NCCEV Press Releases

For immediate release: June 1, 2001

Guiding Children through Remembrances of 9/11

NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT -- As the one-year anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks looms before us, each of us will react differently to the remembrance of the tragedy. It is critical for adults - parents, caregivers, friends, teachers and school administrators - to help children cope successfully with the emotions and memories of that terrible day.

At the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence (NCCEV), based at the Yale University Child Study Center in New Haven (CT), professionals there have worked closely over the last year with parents, schools and government agencies to help them address the emotional needs of children in the aftermath of September 11. They have prepared a series of guides available online at www.nccev.org for parents, teachers and school administrators.

The central theme of the guides is that there is no "best way" to react or acknowledge the events. What is most important is that adults dealing with children listen to them, take cues from what they are feeling, give simple and direct answers to their questions and try to view 9/11 through their young perspective. Children look to trusted adults for reassurance that they and their families are safe and that our government and national leaders are doing everything possible to keep them safe. A child needs to know that it is "all right" to express emotions and ask questions. Parents are cautioned to supervise exposure to media coverage of 9/11 events, especially for younger children. They should be aware that children who have a history of loss or trauma are the most vulnerable at this time. Caregivers and parents should not hesitate to seek outside help when needed - from a teacher, pediatrician, mental health counselor or a member of the clergy.

Teachers and school administrators play a pivotal role as the anniversary of September 11 approaches. It is for them to assess their school environment and help determine how that community chooses to observe the day. The NCCEV guides acknowledge that the planning and execution of memorial activities can further the process of healing and learning and strongly suggest that students, parents and caregivers be directly involved in the planning process. Teachers and administrators must be aware that symptoms and reactions to 9/11 vary from child to child and should be dealt with on an individual basis. Alternative plans should be made for children who many have difficulty participating in memorial events. Above all, schools should not feel pressured and overwhelmed in an attempt to plan the "perfect event." Any memorial event or activity - big or small - can be a helpful means for children to understand and mark the anniversary.

The National Center for Children Exposed to Violence (NCCEV), directed by Dr. Steven Marans, was established in 1999 at the Yale University Child Study Center. Its mission is to be a powerful voice, through both words and action, to increase public and professional awareness of the effects of violence on children and build the capacity of individuals and communities to reduce the impact of violence. The NCCEV is a primary national resource center for anyone seeking information about the effects of violence on children and the initiatives designed to address this problem. It is also a provider of training, technical assistance and consultation to a variety of collaborative community programs throughout the country that respond to children and families exposed to violence.

For further information about the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence and to view the 9/11 Anniversary guides, visit the NCCEV website at http://www.nccev.org/resources/terrorism/9 -11anniversary.html or call 1 -877-49- NCCEV (62238).

For more information, please contact:

National Center for Children Exposed to Violence
1-877- 49-NCCEV
Email: nccev@info.med.yale.edu
Or visit the program’s websites at www.nccev.org and www.cd-cp.org.