TV coverage of tragedies: what is the impact on children?

Violent acts such as a school shooting, domestic violence, suicides, gang fights, sexual assault, homicides, violence seen in the media (real or fantasy), and acts of terrorism have sudden, unpredictable and dramatic effects on children and their families. In addition, the sudden death of a family member, friend, or pet can devastate a child. Acts of violence have an inordinate negative impact at a variety of levels including societal, community, family and individual. While physical losses can sometimes be reconstructed or replaced, and the accompanying pain and sorrow gradually diminish, psychological scars including traumatic memories and horrifying images do not heal as easily. Extensive media coverage often exacerbates the psychological impact of these events