Helping children cope with deadly London, Ont. crash
Efforts are underway to help children affected by Tuesday night’s devastating crash on Riverside Drive.
“When we overwhelm kids’ sense of safety and security in how the world works we see changes in behaviour,” said Dr. Claire Crooks, the director of the School for Mental Health at Western University. “We see some kids might get nightmares or more worried or more defiant. And that’s all normative. And when we start to worry about reactions is when time goes on and they’re not changing.”
An eight-year-old girl died, while several more children and one adult were injured when a vehicle struck 10 pedestrians Tuesday night.
Crooks said being patient and following children’s leads will help them cope.
“Some kids may want to talk about this, some don’t need to. We know that children process these events differently. It’s not helpful for us to sort of insist that kids talk about something like this because some of them may not need to, and talking about it may actually make them feel more agitated or upset.”
The Thames Valley District School Board has dispatched its Traumatic Events Response Team to its schools affected by the crash.
Director of Education Mark Fisher has offered condolences on behalf of the board. He added that they’re trying to be sensitive to the situation.
“We recognize that this is a triggering event for many in our community based on the terrorist attack that happened last June, and so we have to be sensitive to the needs of everybody to make sure that we’re looking after one another. One of the things that happens in these situations is that it often brings out the best in our staff and we work together to support everybody to make sure that we’re okay.”
The London District Catholic School Board is also providing support to its affected schools, according to Superindent Ana Paula Fernandes.
“We provide resources for our teachers, for educators, as well as tip sheets for our caregivers. At times, if needed, we’re out in our schools. The presence of chaplaincy, social work, the presence of senior administration lending that additional hand.”
Both school boards, along with London Police Service, say they won’t be releasing the names of the victims at this time to respect the wishes of their families.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.