Date: June 2, 2004
Contact:: Peter Wilson
(202) 336-5910

APA OFFERS MATERIALS THAT CAN HELP CHILDREN DEAL WITH DISTURBING IMAGES FROM IRAQ

WASHINGTON – Parents whose children are exposed to disturbing footage from Iraq can help their children by helping them develop resilience skills, the American Psychological Association (APA) said today.

Since 9/11 and the war in Iraq last year, materials have been made available to the public, for free, offering tips that can help children bounce back from traumatic news and images. These materials can be useful at the current time with the images from Iraq that have recently been in the news and on the Internet.

Among the tips are to take a “news break” from disturbing media reports that may be frequent and prolonged; stick to reassuring routines; and watch your child for signs such as dropped grades or questions about someone they know who has been deployed to Iraq that may signal fear or anxiety that they cannot verbalize.

“Based on the reactions people are having over what’s happening in Iraq right now, we think these resilience materials will help parents address some of the questions or confusion children may be expressing,” said Russ Newman, Ph.D., J.D., executive director for professional practice at the APA.

The resilience materials offer tips for parents and teacher on how to help kids and teens build resilience, including some materials specifically developed to address issues related to the war in Iraq and its aftermath. There are several brochures aimed at consumers, parents and teachers of children ranging from preschool age to elementary and middle school and teens.

The materials are available in print by calling toll-free 1-800-964-2000 and may also be downloaded at http://www.apahelpcenter.org.

The American Psychological Association (APA), located in Washington, DC, is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States and is the world’s largest association of psychologists. APA’s membership includes more than 150,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its 53 divisions and its affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science and profession, and as a means of promoting health, education, and human welfare.

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