Advice if news about the riots has worried you
- Published
You might have seen pictures of riots and disorder taking place in towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland during the last week.
Some children and young people have been left feeling a bit anxious or upset about what's been happening,
Dr Jai Shree Adhyaru is a child psychologist and she helps children through difficult times.
Newsround spoke to her to get some advice on what children can do if they are upset by the news about the riots.
- Published29 August 2022
- Published8 August
“It’s really important to let it out, and think about who you can approach to talk to about how you’re feeling right now,” Dr Jai said.
“I think it’s perfectly understandable that children are worried, and perhaps a little bit scared or frightened. There are lots of adults that are also worried about what’s going on," she explained.
Lots being done to support children and communities
She said: “It’s perfectly reasonable to feel however you’re feeling about this, and it can be helpful to talk to a trusted adult, somebody that would listen. It could be a parent, a carer, or another adult in the community, somebody from your local sports centre or youth club.”
"The good news is, there’s lots that can be done, and that is being done to support children and communities," she added.
“Firstly the government has asked for more police officers to be on the streets, and in particular areas where riots are likely to happen.
"So that’s really positive because it means that the police are there to make sure that people are safe."
Check in on family and friends
“You might also be worried about other people in your life, maybe friends or family.
"It’s okay to reach out them and just check how they’re doing. That might make you feel better as well,” Dr Jai said.
Why have there been riots?
The riots and disorder have mostly been organised by far-right groups who have extreme views - often linked to immigration, race and national identity - and were encouraged by misinformation spread online following an incident that took place in Southport.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to keep communities affected by the riots safe during an important meeting with government ministers and members of law enforcement.
He said people taking part in the anti-immigration riots would "feel the full force of the law".
Since then, more than 400 people have been arrested for causing damage to public places and injuring police officers.
Thousands of people have also turned out to take part in anti-racisim protests to show support for refugees, migrants and their local community.
They held up signs with messages saying “refugees are welcome here” and chanted “racists go home”.
People have also been helping to rebuild public spaces, homes and religious buildings like mosques, which were damaged during the anti-immigration riots.
“Seeing people from different background, different ages, different colours and different walks of life, coming together, is exactly what being in this country is all about.
"We also know that volunteering and doing things in your community is really good for your mental health,” said Dr Jai.