While simply scrolling on social media, teens can be exposed, without warning, to disturbing images and stories of violence. Whether it’s through television, social media, or online news, repeated exposure to traumatic events, such as school shootings, can have a real impact on emotional well-being [1].
Even though many parents work hard to limit screen time and filter or block harmful content, algorithms still feed graphic videos, live-streamed events, and shocking headlines to your teen’s screen that can have a lasting negative effect [3].
This type of exposure is known as secondary trauma, but it is also referred to as vicarious trauma. It happens when someone experiences stress symptoms from witnessing or hearing about a traumatic event rather than experiencing it themselves [3]. This kind of exposure can be very disturbing for teens who are still developing [1].
Related: Types of Trauma
If your teen is struggling with secondary trauma, we’re here for you and can help with our
Teen mental health programs
How secondary trauma affects teens
Secondary traumatic stress in teens can show up in different ways and often mimics direct trauma responses or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [1,3].
Here are some common signs to look out for [1-3]:
- Increased anxiety or fear, especially around school or public places
- Trouble sleeping or persistent nightmares
- Stomach aches, headaches, or other physical symptoms that don’t have a clear cause
- Mood changes such as irritability, sadness, withdrawal, or mood swings
- Abrupt changes in eating habits
- Declining academic performance
- Avoiding certain places, staying out of conversations, or ignoring the media
- Frequently talking about fears about safety or distrust in the world around them
If these feelings are not properly addressed, they can lead to long-term mental health challenges such as depression, generalized anxiety, or post-traumatic stress symptoms over time [1]. That’s why it’s important for parents to not only prevent unnecessary exposure to these events but also support their teens if they encounter distressing content [2].
Related: Trauma in Teens
5 ways to support your teen after exposure to traumatic content
Even with the best prevention measures in place, teens are still likely to come across disturbing news or videos. Here are practical ways to help them process and cope:
1. Encourage open conversations
Let your teen know you are willing to listen without dismissing their thoughts and emotional experience. Start the conversation even when your teen has not disclosed stress-related symptoms or has not shown visible signs of distress after exposure to a traumatic event. Normalizing that they may have unexpected thoughts, fears, feelings, and somatic symptoms such as stomach aches or difficulty sleeping, even when they least expect it, because of the exposure.
Related: Breaking the Silence: How to Talk to Your Teen About Mental Health
2. Answer questions honestly and calmly
Let your teen know you are available for any questions they may have about the event, and assure them you will answer them as honestly as possible and will let them know if there are questions that you may not have the answers to.
A teen question example, “TikTok said the active shooter was able to walk on the school campus without anyone checking his identity. What if that happens at my school?” A direct and honest response can be: “I’m not sure that was the case in that situation. Are you concerned your school may not have adequate safety protocols for people accessing campus?” This is an example of starting a dialogue and getting more information about what your teen may be thinking or feeling.
Often, teens can feel reassured that their parent is taking their concern seriously, and is open and honest without providing platitudes such as, “Don’t worry. Your school has security all around campus, and no one can enter without their ID scanned.” Instead, a comment such as: “It’s understandable why you may be fearful right now after seeing this recent event on social media. It was a scary image. Your school has safety protocols in place. Would you like me to help you talk with your school counselor to get more details and share your concerns about their protocols?”
3. Empower them to take positive action
Volunteering, helping others, or participating in community events can give teens a sense of control and purpose, which helps balance negative feelings after exposure to traumatic events.
4. Promote healthy routines and connection
Encourage healthy habits and self-care activities, as well as family connection. Getting out into nature, family meals, exercise, arts and crafts, and music are all examples of activities that promote overall health, including mental health.
5. Watch for warning signs
Pay attention to changes in mood, sleep, appetite, school performance, or the way your teen views the world. If your teen shows consistent distress, anxiety, or avoids normal activities, it may be time to seek professional support.
When professional support can help
Sometimes a teen’s distress is more than what parents can manage on their own. This is where teen mental health treatment programs, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), can make a difference [2].
At Clear Behavioral Health, our teen IOP in Los Angeles provides a supportive environment where teens can:
- Process their emotions in a safe and therapeutic setting
- Learn healthy coping strategies to manage anxiety, trauma responses, and stress
- Connect with peers who are facing similar struggles
- Participate in evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices
- Receive family support and guidance to strengthen relationships, communication, and trust at home
An IOP is the best level of care for teens who need more than traditional one-on-one therapy but do not require inpatient treatment. It allows teens to continue going to school and living at home while getting the specialized mental health support they need [3].
Secondary trauma can turn into something more serious if left unaddressed. Reach out today to learn more about
PTSD treatment for teens
Supporting teens in an online world
As parents, it’s natural to want to shield your teen from every frightening image or headline. Unfortunately, in today’s digital landscape, completely preventing it is seemingly impossible. What matters most is how you respond. If your teen is exposed to traumatic content and you meet them with openness, compassion, and a willingness to seek help when needed, the negative effects can be less harmful.
If your teen is struggling with anxiety, fear, or emotional distress after exposure to traumatic events on social media or the news, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Clear Behavioral Health is here to support your family with specialized teen PTSD treatment that can help your child heal and build resilience. Contact us today to learn more about our teen mental health treatment programs throughout the Los Angeles, CA area, including our convenient locations in El Segundo, Santa Clarita, Pasadena, and Van Nuys.
References:
- Helping children and adolescents cope with traumatic events. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-disasters-and-other-traumatic-events
- SCHOOLSAFETY.GOV. (n.d.). Strategies and Resources to support Trauma-Informed Schools. In SCHOOLSAFETY.GOV. https://www.schoolsafety.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/SchoolSafety%20Issue%20Brief_Strategies%20and%20Resources%20to%20Support%20Trauma-Informed%20Schools_508c.pdf
- Peterson, S. (2018, October 22). Secondary traumatic stress. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. https://www.nctsn.org/trauma-informed-care/secondary-traumatic-stress