Parents should minimize the amount of media coverage their children watch and read of the Washington, D.C.-area sniper story, says Tracy Morris, associate professor of psychology in West VirginiaUniversitys Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

“We need to reassure children of their stability within the home environment,”said Morris, whose expertise is parent-child interaction and anxiety disorders.”Children pick up a lot from the television and radio. They need to be reassured about their safety.”

Much of the media coverage this week has focused on notes believed to have been left by the sniper, including one which threatened children.

Morris recommends parents answer all questions honestly. The development level of the child will dictate how much information they can understand, Morris said. Younger children should not be given a lot of detail, she added.

“Questions asked by a 3-year old can be answered simply by telling the child some bad things are happening, the police are working on it and you are going to be fine,”Morris said.

“Older children can be told more. But reassuring them of their safety is most important.”