Repeated online viewing of school shootings fuels fear and distress among children

In the wake of the Banga school shooting, the National Center for Mental Health highlighted the mental-health risks of youths repeatedly seeing violent school-shooting material online. Dr. Noel Reyes noted that while social media can spread information, it also magnifies fear, confusion and emotional distress, especially through graphic videos, photographs, speculation and unverified reports. Continuous consumption can create a sense of a persistent threat, triggering anxiety, sleep disturbances and intrusive memories even among children who were not at the scene.

The agency recommends that parents set limits on both screen time and the specific platforms and content accessed, and be prepared to discuss and report harmful material. NCMH also plans school-based mental-health caravans and stresses the need to combat stigma that deters Filipinos from seeking help. Crisis hotlines and free online support are available for those in need.