"Graphic video of the final moments of Charlie Kirk's life and the aftermath of his assassination were on clear display for anyone with a phone. But once someone sees such disturbing images, how do they process it? These are horrific, gruesome images no one really needs to see. TikTok announced it is removing close-up footage, and Meta is applying warning labels and restricting some images to those 18 and older. The lasting effects of having seen such images on our psyche can be traumatizing."
"Whyte says it's likely kids who've seen these videos aren't sure how to process them. The language you use with them depends on their age, but it should mostly be about listening to them. "Hearing where they're at, what they're experiencing, because the most therapeutic thing is when we can give language and label to our feelings," he said. Once a young person feels meaningfully heard, Whyte says parents can help guide their healing."
""Politics is part of the human expression, so it just is what it is, but I think there are times to put politics aside and retreat to our humanity. The bottom line is, Charlie was human," Whyte added. As human beings, Whyte says such a horrific event elicits feelings of fear, vulnerability and despair. His advice is to own how you feel. "Giving yourself time to ponder, 'How is this impacting me? What does it mean to me?'""
Graphic, close-up footage of Charlie Kirk's assassination circulated widely on social media, prompting platforms to remove or label images and restrict viewership. Exposure to such disturbing content can produce lasting psychological harm and trauma. Many viewers experienced personal connection to Kirk through his online presence, intensifying the impact. Children and teens who saw the footage may struggle to process what they witnessed. Mental health guidance emphasizes listening, helping young people label feelings, and providing meaningfully empathetic responses. Healing can include channeling grief into positive actions, temporarily setting aside politics, owning emotional responses, and using reflective practices like journaling.
Read at ABC7 Los Angeles
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