A MIGRANT worker from China¡¯s central Henan Province held hostage a six-year-old pupil in Shanghai Jiangning School on February 24, after he was caught trying to steal something in the school.

The victim, Wang Qian (not his real name), was rescued after a two-hour operation by police and anti-terrorist forces. He lost consciousness immediately after escaping the suspect, once the attackers knife was no longer held to his neck.

Although no injuries were found after an intensive check-up at Putuo Central Hospital, education experts and psychotherapists warn the horrible experience may leave deep wounds in the boy¡¯s mind.

A research group that included education experts and psychotherapists was established on March 2 to undertake research into the mental impact of traumatic incidents on victims.

¡°After the unexpected shock, Wang may experience sleep difficulties, depression and even exhibit aggressive behaviour,?said one member of the group. ¡°He may refuse to communicate with others, even his parents.?

But he said no obvious evidence had been found to show the child was suffering such symptoms.

¡°The child is very brave. He was really calm during the two hour kidnapping by the criminal. The school¡¯s psychological counsellor talked to him during the time and tried to soothe him and help him to deal with his fear.?

¡°Our biggest concern lies in the crime¡¯s long-term impact on the child,?he told the Shanghai Star. ¡°He may recall the terrible event repeatedly. It may cast a shadow over his mind causing long-term suffering, a loss in confidence, a feeling of melancholy or anxiety.?

The group will extend its research to the victim¡¯s classmates and other students at the school.

When the students in other classes were moved away from the spot, they were told by teachers a TV programme was being shot in the school ?a way to minimize their sense of horror.

¡°The school did a good job. But the situation could have been different in other schools,?commented the psychotherapist.

¡°We will report on the psychotherapy system in the schools of Shanghai and how they would cope with horrors such as earthquakes, car accidents and major fires as well as the mental problems following in their aftermath.?