Mass. General child psychologist on what to tell children after a tragedy

BOSTON — An explosion outside an Arianna Grande concert killed 23 people in Manchester, England, Monday night and wounded dozens more.

In the hours since the attack, we've learned an ISIS agent was reportedly responsible for the suicide bombing and many of 23 killed were teens or younger.

Attacks like the one in Manchester spark emotions around the world, but that’s particularly true here in Boston. It’s been just four years since two bombs exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, but so many are still struggling physically, mentally and emotionally to recover from it.

MORE: Manchester attack at Ariana Grande concert: What we know now

Dr. Ellen Braaten, a psychologist from Massachusetts General Hospital, says talking to your children and trying to answer their questions can be an important way to help them cope with the fear, anxiety or uncertainty they face.

Braaten and other experts say now is the time to re-assure your children they are safe.

Dr. Braaten will join Boston 25 News at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday to discuss what you should do and say with your children in the wake of a tragedy or terrorist attack.

She’ll talk about how to approach media exposure for different ages and what to be on the lookout for in the days following.

You can also find her complete guides to approaching these topics here:

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