Eighty-five percent of public schools reported at least one violent crime, theft or other crime such as vandalism in 2007, according to the "Indicators of School Crime and Safety Report: 2009," published by the National Center for Education Statistics. Parents should know how to discuss and approach school violence to help their children feel safer and more confident at school.
Be Receptive
Some children may willingly go to parents with their concerns about incidents at school. Listen closely, and don't minimize or ignore his concerns or he'll be less likely to come to you in future.
Other children aren't so forthcoming. Watch for changes in your child's behavior and for signs that she wants to talk, advises the National Association of School Psychologists, or NASP. Start the conversation by asking questions, and let your child know you're ready to listen and help.
Use Age-Appropriate Responses
According to the NASP, it's best to give early elementary school children brief, simple information combined with reassurances about safety at school. Older elementary and early middle school children will ask more questions and need more reassurance about what the school and community are doing to keep schools safe. Older middle-school and high school students will share their opinions about school safety. Stress the roles they can play in keeping school safe, such as joining peer groups or not giving access to the school to strangers.
Outline Safety Procedures
School violence makes children feel less confident about their ability to stay safe at school. According to KidsHealth, many schools now have school violence policies and programs. These include random locker checks, metal detectors, anti-bullying policies and conflict resolution programs. Familiarize your child with his school's safety measures and how they work. The NASP also recommends letting your child know which adult at school he can go to if he feels threatened.
Get Support
If your child has been a victim of school violence, she's likely to suffer from poor self esteem, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal tendencies or an inclination to retaliate violently, according to the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence, or NCCEV. Children in this situation need help from adults. Inform school administrators about what's happening, and get their anti-bullying program working for your child. Get a referral to a mental health worker. The sooner you intervene in school violence, the less damaging the effects will be on your child.
Monitor TV Viewing
Excessive exposure to television news about violent crimes, or shows with vengeful or hateful behavior increase your child's sense of insecurity in the world. According to NASP, news not appropriate for your child's age also triggers anxiety and confusion. Limit the amount of TV your child watches, and switch to more positive programming such as Teen Kids News.
References
- National Center for Education Statistics: Indicators of School Crime and Safety Report: 2009
- National Association of Child Psychologists: Talking to Children About Violence: Information for Parents and Educators
- KidsHealth: School Violence and the News
- National Center for Children Exposed to Violence: School Violence
