Ekrandaki felaket: Kahramanmaraş depremi görüntülerinin çocuklar üzerine etkisi – Ebeveyn perspektifli bir araştırma

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the effects of exposure to news and images related to the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes via television and social media on children from the parental perspective. Method: The study was conducted with parents of children aged 3-6 and 6-12 (n=193) who were exposed to the Kahramanmaraş earthquake images residing in Konya province. A Questionnaire Form prepared by the researchers was used to collect data. Data were collected using the snowball method and face-to-face interviews with parents. Number, percentage, mean±standard deviation and X2 analysis were used in the analysis of data. Ethical principles were adhered to at every stage of the study. Results: As a result of the study, it was determined that children who repeatedly watched the Kahramanmaraş earthquake images had emotional reactions such as fear of being alone at home (34.2%), experiencing sadness and grief (33.7%), and excessive attachment to parents (33.7%). Children were most exposed to images of collapsed buildings, people dying/injured and trapped under debris, and images of crying earthquake victims on television. Parents stated that in order to reduce the effects of earthquake images on their children, they limit their use of the internet and social media, try not to talk about earthquakes, and try to play more games with their children. Conclusion: The study revealed that despite not being in an earthquake zone, repeated exposure to disaster images affects children differently and the importance of parents in managing the effects of earthquakes.