Innocent Lost: The Impact of 9-11 on the Development of Children‪.‬

Abstract The first anniversary of Sept. 11 is upon us, reminding the entire nation of this traumatic, life-altering event. Many people have been traumatized by the horror, devastation and loss as a result of this terrorist attack. Perhaps one segment of the population that has been the most indirectly affected by this attack is the nations children. Unfortunately, the innocence that once existed amongst our children is now lost forever. No longer do they feel the safety and security that once existed in generations past. Children now live with a heightened sense of anxiety and fear of the potential for another terrorist calamity. We propose that normal childhood developmental processes have been permanently altered by Sept. 11. This article discusses the impact of Sept. 11 upon the development of children.