There were 346 school shootings in 2023, which is the highest total on record since at least 1966. This senseless violence can be impossible to comprehend, and it can feel impossible to put feelings into words. Gun violence, while immense, is just one of the many fears students may carry with them when entering school. When dealing with any range of tragedies, whether they occur at home, at school, or on the news, it is valuable to feel prepared to address these feelings of overwhelm appropriately.
The National Council for Family Relations has a wonderful, comprehensive archive of articles and resources for parents, educators, and students. This is a great place to start if you are looking to take some time to reflect before initiating challenging conversations.
The following are additional resources to help in the face of tragedy:
For teachers and educators: The Child Mind Institute offers insights into how teachers can facilitate productive conversations as well as model resilience for their students. Their recommendations focus on validation, reflection, and asking helpful questions. The main takeaway: be patient, and meet students where they are emotionally.
However, we also want to acknowledge the weight of navigating tragedies for educators and the support they might need as well. Greater Good in Education (GGIE) has shared strategies for teacher well-being, emphasizing community support and mindfulness.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network also provides an excellent information sheet to help parents, caretakers, and others understand how children experience shock and/or grief. It details how children of different ages may respond to traumatic events, whether they experienced the trauma themselves or have been affected by traumatic news viewed online or on TV.
For adults: although adults can focus on modeling healthy behaviors and supporting children through moments of tragedy, it’s also important for grown-ups to check in with themselves. This fact sheet, also from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, helps adults understand their own emotional and physical responses to violence and provides suggestions for self-care.
We hope these resources help your families have compassionate, healing conversations during tragedy. Our hearts go out to all of you.
For more resources contact us.
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