Is the acrimony and anger from the presidential election affecting children?

Yes, according to a longtime Macon marriage and family therapist who says children are noticing and reacting to the deep political divide over the election of Donald Trump.

“Regardless of the political ideology of their parents, the fear, anxiety and insecurity some children are experiencing is comparable to what I observed during the aftermath of 9/11. Parents describe free-floating anxiety, excessive worry, irritability and many questions,” says therapist Amy Morton.

“It’s not just kids who are being bullied or who are in a suspect class that may fear discrimination who are experiencing this,” she says. “It’s also children who witness these acts or merely observe and listen to fear expressed by others.”

To read how Morton believes adults ought to respond to children's fears, go to the AJC Get Schooled blog.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A man puts his head in his hands during an Atlanta school board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. Atlanta Public Schools held its final vote on school consolidation plans, approving several school closures. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: Abbey Cutrer/AJC

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez