Supporting Students When Bad Things Happen

• Provide reassurance

• Be brief

• Keep information developmentally appropriate

• Reassure children that we have safety measures in place and are safe

• Monitor their emotions

• Limit access to media

• Maintain normal routine

• Seek assistance from support staff/professionals if needed

Links to Articles and Resources:

• How to Talk to Kids About Shootings-Picture books that help
• Talking to Kids About Violence - Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)
• Talking with Kids About School Violence and Trauma by Scholastic Choices
• How to Talk to Children About Difficult News (American Psychological Association)
• Talking to Children About Attacks and School Community Shootings in the News
• Helping Children Cope with Frightening News
• Mass Violence Resources - National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• https://www.nctsn.org/resources/coping-after-mass-violence
• https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//talking_to_children_about_the_shooting.pdf
• 10 Strategies for Talking to Children About School Shootings
• Age by Age guide: How to talk to your children about  shooting https://www.today.com/parents/how-talk-children-about-shootings-age-age-guide-t59626
• Resources for Educators and Families to Discuss School Shootings