School Safety
How to Talk to Children About Violence
Establishing a sense of security
In the wake of recent events and ever-increasing acts of violence in school and in public, youth are becoming more frightened and confused, often worrying that their friends or loved ones are in danger. With access to social media, news outlets, and the internet, it has become increasingly important for parents and educators to help them feel safe by talking to them about their fears
Validate and reassure
Allow children to talk about their feelings and help them express them appropriately.
It’s important to take the time to listen to what children say and reassure that they are safe. Explain to them that it is natural to have feelings when tragedy occurs. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Let them talk about their feelings and help them express them appropriately.
Take time to talk
Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient; children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily.
Talking To Kids About Violence Free Downloadable Resource
This downloadable resource includes It includes quick tips on how to talk to kids at different developmental ages about school violence.
Early elementary school children
- Brief, simple information and reassurance that school and home are safe
- Reassure them that adults are there to protect them
- Give simple examples of school safety
- Remind children about exterior doors being locked
- Review child monitoring efforts on the playground
- Go over emergency drills practiced during the school day
Upper elementary and early middle school
- Upper elementary and early middle school children will ask more questions
- They will want to know safety plans at their school.
- They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy
- Discuss school and community plans for safe schools
Upper middle school and high school
- These students will have strong and varying opinions of why there is violence in society
- They will share concrete suggestions about how to prevent tragedies
- Discuss maintaining safe schools by following school safety guidelines
- Talk about not providing building access to strangers
- See something, say something – how to report strangers on campus
- Talk through how to report threats to the school safety made by students or community members
- Have a plan, discuss how to report personal safety concerns to school administrators
- Talk about emotional wellbeing, do they know how to access support for emotional needs?
Review safety procedures
Help children identify at least one adult at school and in the community to whom they go if they feel threatened or at risk.
Observe their emotional state
- Some children may not express their concerns verbally
- Anxiety or discomfort can be can be signaled from changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns
- Symptoms will ease with reassurance and time in most children
- Past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others
- Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned
Limit television coverage of event
- Be aware that the television may be on in a common area where children are present
- Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety and confusion
- Be mindful of conversations had in front of children, even teens
- Limit exposure to hatred, vengeful and angry comments that may be misunderstood
Talking To Kids About Violence - Free Downloadable Resource
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