School Violence in the News: What Parents Need to Know

Jonesboro. Columbine. Virginia Tech. It's every parent's nightmare, but unfortunately, fatal violence in schools is very real. And while attacks on students wreak havoc on a parent's sense of well-being, it can be even more frightening for students to realize that the classrooms they visit every day are far from safe havens.

Part of the anxiety stems from the fact that the perpetrators of school violence, and particularly of shootings in schools, don't necessarily fit any specific stereotype. They can be “loners,” but they can also have close friends. They can come from any economic, academic, or ethnic background. The vast majority of student perpetrators are male, and most of these experienced bullying, social isolation, or depression – but these characteristics are also typical of many adolescents. The unpredictable nature of school violence alone is enough to frighten children and teens.

But while anxiety over school violence is understandable, media reportage of such incidents can exacerbate the problem, especially in younger children. Video footage, frightening details, and the sense of near panic with which these stories are widely reported can be fuel to the flames of childhood fears. So how can parents help their children cope with the frightening news of school violence? Here are some expert articles to help:

School Violence and the News by The Nemours Foundation
It's natural for kids and teens — no matter where they go to school — to worry about whether this type of incident may someday affect them. How can you help them deal with these fears?

How to Prevent School Shootings? by Education.com
If it could happen at that typical suburban school, parents wondered, could it happen at my child’s school? Why do school shootings happen, and what can we do to prevent them?

Helping Children Feel Safe in Unsafe Times by the NYU Child Study Center
Upsetting or violent community or national events put everyone on edge. The extensive news coverage can add to the heightened fear. Children are particularly at risk for feeling scared. The following are suggestions for helping children at such times.

Media Exposure and Traumatic Events: How Much is Too Much? by the NYU Child Study Center
It is not always possible to judge if or when children are scared or worried about news they hear. Here is an age-based guide to recognizing and reacting to fear in your child.