What to Do and Say to Students During a Violent Incident

Notes for Teachers

Provide a sense of hope and expectation.

Don’t deny the seriousness of the situation.

Validate emotions of fear and anger.

Don’t criticize regressive behavior or shame the student with words like “babyish.”

Control panic among students by remaining calm and displaying a take-charge attitude within your area of responsibility.

Express your own emotions, while modeling a stable sense of personal control.

Take care of yourself so that you can take care of your students.

Encourage students to comfort themselves and each other. (This may include a variety of solacing activities, such as singing, praying, talking to each other, drawing, etc....)

Give students as much accurate information as possible, keyed to their developmental level.

Counter rumors with a focus on known facts.

Updated: 12/16/2019