Read about the impact of riots on the minds of children and some tips for helping them stay safe and protected.Many unpleasant thingscan happen in our society, Natural disasters, like a tsunami, floods, cyclones, etc. Or manmade disasters like fire, wars, riots,attacks etc. These unpleasant activities leave a major impact on society and the citizens. Riots are considered to be one of the most disturbing activities that could take place in a country or society.
Riots could suddenly turn the most peaceful environment into a warzone. It is a disturbing sight to watch two opinionated opponents fight against each other and lead it to a violent riot. It is psychologically proven that riots leave a deep impact on people, especially if children have to witness it. Children are sensitive and riots could scar their mind-sets for a long period. It is hard to overcome a trauma like this.
How Do Riots Impact Children?
Take a quick look at how riots impact children.
1) It could leave a lifelong impact on children that can make them scared of even the smallest troubles of life?
2) They would grow-up to be weak in situations where they might have to stand up for themselves.
3) Psychologically proven, children who grow-up witnessing violence could develop anxiety or depression which is a serious medical condition.
4) It could make them generate negative opinions about things that they might not understand completely.
5) Riots can be dangerous, it could do physical harm or generate mental or emotional trauma.
6) Children might stop feeling safe in their own home, area or country.
Delhi Riots
The peaceful protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act which started in December last year has turned into a violent riot since the past few days. Even reading the newspaper or watching the news has become very scary, there are so many death reports and seriously injured people. We cannot even try to imagine the impact of these riots on the people who are experiencing it.
Imagine living in a society where people are being killed relentlessly, and although it is hard to believe, some of these causalities include children. Innocent kids are being killed and injured for doing absolutely nothing wrong.Delhi has experienced the most unpleasant time past 4 – 5 days. Around 40 people have died and there are reports of around 250 people being injured.
Shops are shut down, including medical stores. Children are being sent back home from school. Schools and colleges are declaring holidays to ensure the
safety of the children. Even the CBS board exams are postponed due to this scenario.
Violence can leave a deep negative impact on children. They are too innocent and sensitive to cope up with a situation where they have to witness or experience, deaths, gunshots, blood or violent fights. It could be very difficult for parents to prepare and protect their children from such unfortunate events. But your child must know the basics of self-protection and coping mechanisms.
Some Ways to Protect Your Children from Riots
Here are some ways that can be followed to protect children from riots.
Prepare Your Child
Well, it might not always be about protection but if you can prepare your children for unfortunate situations like riots, it would do them good in the future. Riots and protests could happen at any point in time, but your children must understand the cause and the impact it leaves. Talk to your children about the causes of riots. This would prepare them better.
Teach Them to Avoid Troubles
Teach your children how to avoid troubles. Tell them to avoid inviting trouble by not visiting violent environments. Staying indoors is the most ideal solution during such times. Children should be taught about how to avoid such situations and to cope with unpleasant memories at school as well.
Teach Them Helpline Numbers
Inform them about helpline numbers. They should be aware of whom to contact, in case of an emergency.
Encourage Them to Speak-Up
Make sure they talk to you about their issues, because if an impact is left on them and they try to bottle it up and cope with it on their own, they could end up being anxious all the time.
Take Them to Counsellors
Talking to professional counsellors about a negative experience of your life could help you cope with the impact better.
Teach Self-Defence
Teach your kids self-defence. There might be times where your child is in an unavoidable violent situation. They must know at least the basics of self-defence so they could protect themselves.
Raise Strong Children
Make sure your child feels protected from inside. They should not grow up to be scared of the slightest discomfort of life.
Encourage Your Children to Stay Updated
Ask your children to read the daily news and be aware of what is going on in their society and environment. They learn better when they try and understand what others, who are going through a riot, must be feeling.
Parental support is very important during such times. The key is to raise mentally strong children who can deal with all kinds of situations that they come across in life easily. So, always be there whenever your children need you. Follow an objective to teach children to always be protected and safe.
What are the effects of riots on the minds of children? How to teach children to avoid troubles and always be safe? Discuss here. 
