The Latest
March 19, 2024

Where Every Family Matters

How to Talk to Kids About the Shootings

With shootings fresh on our minds, Middle TN parents should know how to start conversations and answer difficult questions from their kids.

Middle Tennessee parents hugged their kids a little tighter after the heartbreaking Covenant School shooting on Monday, March 27, which killed three children and three adults.

Let’s face it: it’s hard to talk to kids about difficult things like school shootings. Most parents aren’t child psychology experts and it’s a struggle to come up with answers to hard questions. Difficult subjects make all of us uncomfortable, but parents have to take the lead role with kids and show them how to talk about difficult things.

The truth is, when something as serious as a mass school shooting takes place, it’s imperative that you slow down and pay attention to what your kids may be experiencing, says the National Mental Health Association (NMHA). Children hear things from other kids and adults, so make a point to be available.

When your child asks questions about school shootings, don’t brush it aside. Be prepared from these responses from the NMHA:

How to Discuss School Shootings With Kids

  • Encourage children to talk about their concerns and to express their feelings. Some children may be hesitant to initiate such conversation, so prompt them by asking if they feel safe at school. When talking with younger children remember to talk on their level. For example, they may not understand the term “violence” but can talk to you about being afraid or a classmate who is mean to them.
  • Talk honestly about your own feelings regarding school violence. It is important for children to recognize they are not dealing with their fears alone.
  • Validate the child’s feelings. Do not minimize a child’s concerns. Let him/her know that serious school violence is not common, which is why these incidents attract so much media attention. Stress that schools are safe places. In fact, recent studies have shown that schools are more secure now than ever before.
  • Empower children to take action regarding school safety. Encourage them to report specific incidents (such as bullying, threats or talk of suicide) and to develop problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Encourage older children to actively participate in student-run anti-violence programs.
  • Discuss the safety procedures that are in place at your child’s school. Explain why visitors sign in at the principal’s office or certain doors remain locked during the school day. Help your child understand that such precautions are in place to ensure his or her safety and stress the importance of adhering to school rules and policies.
  • Create safety plans with your child. Help identify which adults (a friendly secretary, trusted teacher or approachable administrator) your child can talk to if they feel threatened at school. Also ensure that your child knows how to reach you (or another family member or friend) in case of crisis during the school day. Remind your child that they can talk to you anytime they feel threatened.
  • Recognize behavior that may indicate your child is concerned about returning to school. Younger children may react to school violence by not wanting to attend school or participate in school-based activities. Teens and adolescents may minimize their concerns outwardly, but may become argumentative, withdrawn, or allow their school performance to decline.
  • Keep the dialogue going and make school safety a common topic in family discussions rather than just a response to an immediate crisis. Open dialogue will encourage children to share their concerns.
  • Seek help when necessary. If you are worried about a child’s reaction or have ongoing concerns about his/her behavior or emotions, contact a mental health professional at school or at your community mental health center.

Source: National Mental Health Association

 

 

MORE READING!

SPECIAL REPORT: Kids and Anxiety

About the Author