Keep kids safe amid rising violence

As of last weekend, 133 people have been murdered this year in Columbus. Last week alone brought seven deaths in seven days. As Mayor Andrew J. Ginther described in his Sunday letter "We must all step up for kids," it has been a violent period in an already deadly year with far-reaching effects on children.

I have seen firsthand the impact of exposure to violence on children when my young patients tell me about the shootings in their neighborhoods or outside their homes. While some children become fearful and avoid the world around them, others lash out and repeat the violence they have experienced. With long-term exposure to violence, these children are at increased risk for behavioral problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, challenges in school, alcohol and substance use, and criminal acts as adults.

In the wake of violent events like those of last week, we can take action to help children feel safe. Watch for signs that children may not be coping well, like trouble sleeping, headache or stomach ache, changes in behavior, or feeling more sad or scared. Encourage children to talk about recent events, and listen as they express what they are feeling.

Reach out to a pediatrician or a mental-health provider for help, and take steps to ensure children’s protection. In these ways, we can provide children with love and security and break the cycle of violence that affects them. Columbus