Key Takeaways:
- The Lifeline crisis support hotline experienced its busiest day of the year following the Bondi shooting, with over 4,300 calls for support.
- The psychological impact of traumatic events like the Bondi shooting can last for months or even years, affecting not only those directly involved but also those who witnessed it or were exposed to distressing content on social media.
- Experts warn that repeated exposure to graphic content on social media can compound trauma and make things worse.
- Support services like Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and Kids Helpline are available to help those affected by the tragedy.
- The Australian government and online safety regulator are working to monitor and restrict the spread of graphic footage from the Bondi attack on social media.
Introduction to the Crisis
The Bondi shooting has left a lasting impact on the community, with the Lifeline crisis support hotline experiencing its busiest day of the year. The 24-hour period between midnight on Sunday to Monday saw over 4,300 calls for support across its phone and digital crisis support services, with the website experiencing a 150% increase in visitors. This surge in calls and website traffic is a testament to the significant psychological impact of the traumatic event, which experts warn will not end "when the sirens stop".
Lifeline’s Response
Lifeline CEO Graham Strong stated that the organization immediately mobilized to provide additional support after the shooting, with around 700 crisis supporters taking shifts between midnight on Sunday and 9am Tuesday. Strong expected the number of calls to increase in the coming days, as people begin to reflect on the event and reach out for support. In fact, he predicted that the number of calls would ultimately eclipse the busiest day on record, which saw 4,405 calls. The organization is preparing for this increase in demand, ensuring that they have the capacity to absorb the influx of calls and provide the necessary support to those affected.
The Broader Impact
Beyond Blue has also been fielding calls from people who were in Bondi when the shooting happened, as well as from other parts of the country. The organization has been working with others in the sector to coordinate a national response to the tragedy. Kids Helpline has also been responding to contact from parents and children impacted by the event, not just in New South Wales but nationwide. The Australian Society of Psychiatrists CEO, Pramudie Gunaratne, noted that the emotional shockwaves of the event would extend well beyond the scene of the shooting, affecting communities for months and sometimes even years. This is because traumatic events like the Bondi shooting can have a profound impact on individuals, causing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Role of Social Media
In the age of social media, the impact of traumatic events can be amplified, with distressing and violent content flooding feeds and many people stumbling upon footage without actively seeking it. Dr. Gunaratne warned that repeated exposure to such content can compound trauma and make things worse. She advised people to take a break from social media in the wake of the Bondi mass shooting, as staying informed is important, but endless replay is not protective. The Australian online safety regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, has stood up an on-call team to monitor the large volume of graphic footage from the Bondi attack circulating on social media. The regulator has reminded social media platforms that sensitive content labels or blurs should be used to prevent incidental exposure to distressing content.
Government Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged people affected by the shooting to access available support like Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and Kids Helpline. He acknowledged that the tragedy would have an immediate and lasting impact on many Australians, particularly the Jewish community, first responders, and people in Bondi and Sydney. The government has also announced that Headspace for children and young people and Medicare mental health centers are available to help people affected by the tragedy. Additionally, the government is working to provide support to those affected, including counseling services and financial assistance.
Conclusion
The Bondi shooting has had a profound impact on the community, with the psychological effects of the traumatic event likely to be felt for months and even years to come. It is essential that those affected by the tragedy have access to support services like Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and Kids Helpline. By acknowledging the significance of the event and providing resources to those affected, we can work towards healing and recovery. Furthermore, it is crucial that we recognize the role of social media in amplifying the impact of traumatic events and take steps to mitigate its effects. By working together, we can provide the necessary support to those affected and help them navigate the complex and often difficult process of recovery.