NATION IN BRIEF : ILLINOIS : Violence’s Effect on Children Detailed

A study has found 74% of Chicago’s inner-city children have witnessed a slaying, shooting, stabbing or robbery, and experts worry about the impact such violence has on youngsters’ mental health. “People think if they’re chronically exposed to this kind of violence kids adapt to it,” said Dr. Carl Bell, a psychiatrist at the University of Illinois School of Medicine. “But they’re wrong. If children who witness crimes appear withdrawn or silent, it’s a symptom of the damage. They just shut off.” Bell heads the Community Mental Health Council, which conducted the study.