Resources for Parents & Educators

Tips and Guidance for Talking about Violence and Providing Support to Children

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS (NASP) TIPS FOR PARENTS AND EDUCATORS TO TALK WITH CHILDREN ABOUT VIOLENCE SUGGESTS ADULTS:

  • Reassure children they are safe and review safety procedures

  • Create a sense of safety by returning to normal, predictable routines as soon as possible

  • Make time to talk and listen to the concerns and feelings of children

  • Limit the use of media consumption of these events to lower their stress and to maintain balance and perspective

  • Acknowledge that sleep difficulties are common and can lead to fatigue and poor participation


The American Psychological Association (APA) has tips for managing your own distress following a mass shooting including:

  • Reaching out for support from other adults (friends or professionals)

  • Honoring your feelings and taking time for yourself, especially if you’re experiencing personal loss or grief

  • Limiting your amount of media coverage of these events

  • Find ways to help in your community


Call the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-4A PARENT (1-855-427-2736) to get emotional support from a trained Advocate. They are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

https://www.apa.org/topics/gun-violence-crime/shooting-aftermath


The APA recommends honesty with children – acknowledging that bad things do happen, but reassuring them with the information that many people are working to keep them safe.


Helping Children Cope With Terrorism from NASP offers tips for families and educators. Translations of this handout are available in Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. There is also a companion infographic.


Common Sense Media has suggestions on how to talk to kids about school shootings in a way that’s age-appropriate and helps them feel safe again.


Very Well Family provides open-ended questions to discuss school shootings with your child.


In response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde Texas, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help children, families, educators, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. These resources include:


Psychological First Aid

The NCTSN also has resources for responders on Psychological First Aid (PFA; En Español). PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events. PFA Mobile and the PFA Wallet Card (En Español) provide a quick reminder of the core actions. The PFA online training course is also available on the NCTSN Learning Center.

Additional PFA resources for schools include:

From the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center

From the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress at the Uniformed Services University


Disaster Helpline

SAMHSA has a Disaster Distress Helpline – call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365.