University of Missouri researchers are helping teachers and parents be the first source of support to children exposed to disaster through media

COLUMBIA, Mo. – In 2018, American children have been exposed to multiple disasters – ravaging wildfires in California, to major Hurricanes in Florida and the Carolinas, and mass shootings in schools and places of worship – all of which have been covered 24/7 by the media. Disaster communication experts at the University of Missouri say disaster media coverage can have lasting effects on children’s mental health and suggest teachers and parents be prepared to respond to questions during and after a catastrophe.