Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do

Violence or natural disasters can cause trauma in young people.
Trauma is hurt or harm. It can be hurt to a person’s body. It can be
harm to a person’s mind. The National Institute of Mental Health
(NIMH) works to help children who experience trauma. Other Federal
agencies also provide help.
Community members play important roles. They help children who
experience violence or disaster. They help children cope with trauma.
They help protect children from further trauma. They also help young
people avoid or overcome emotional problems. These problems can result
from trauma.