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School violence and the resulting intense media coverage bring
school safety issues to the forefront for all of us. However,
children, in particular, may experience anxiety, fear, and a sense
of personal risk. Knowing how to talk with your child about school
safety issues could be critical in recognizing and preventing acts
of violence, and will play an important role in easing fear and
anxieties about their personal safety.
To guide parents, the National
Mental Health Association offers the following
suggestions:
- Encourage children to talk about their concerns and to express
their feelings. Some children may be hesitant to initiate such
conversation, so you may want to prompt them by asking if they feel
safe at school. When talking with younger children remember to talk
on their level. For example, they may not understand the term
�violence� but can talk to you about being afraid or a classmate
who is mean to them.
- Talk honestly about your own feelings regarding school
violence. It is important for children to recognize they are not
dealing with their fears alone.
- Validate the child�s feelings. Do not minimize a child�s
concerns. Let him/her know that serious school violence is not
common, which is why incidents such as Columbine and Conyers,
Georgia, attract so much media attention. Stress that schools are
safe places. In fact, recent studies have shown that schools are
more secure now than ever before.
- Empower children to take action regarding school safety.
Encourage them to report specific incidents (such as bullying,
threats or talk of suicide) and to develop problem solving and
conflict resolution skills. Encourage older children to actively
participate in student-run anti-violence programs.
- Discuss the safety procedures that are in place at your child�s
school. Explain why visitors sign in at the principal�s office or
certain doors remain locked during the school day. Help your child
understand that such precautions are in place to ensure his or her
safety and stress the importance of adhering to school rules and
policies.
- Create safety plans with your child. Help identify which adults
(a friendly secretary, trusted teacher or approachable
administrator) your child can talk to if they feel threatened at
school. Also ensure that your child knows how to reach you (or
another family member or friend) in case of crisis during the
school day. Remind your child that they can talk to you anytime
they feel threatened.
- Recognize behavior that may indicate your child is concerned
about returning to school. Younger children may react to school
violence by not wanting to attend school or participate in
school-based activities. Teens and adolescents may minimize their
concerns outwardly, but may become argumentative, withdrawn, or
allow their school performance to decline.
- Keep the dialogue going and make school safety a common topic
in familydiscussions rather than just a response to an immediate
crisis. Open dialogue will encourage children to share their
concerns.
- Seek help when necessary. If you are worried about a child�s
reaction or have ongoing concerns about his/her behavior or
emotions, contact a mental health professional at school or at your
community mental health center. Your local Mental Health
Association or the National Mental Health Association�s Information
Center can direct you to resources in your community.
The following behaviors are
signs that a child may need help:
- Lack of interest or poor performance in school
- Absence of age-appropriate anger control skills
- Seeing self as always the victim
- Persistent disregard for or refusal to follow rules
- Cruelty to pets or other animals
- Artwork or writing that is bleak or violent or that depicts
isolation or anger
- Talking constantly about weapons or violence
- Obsession with violent games and/or TV shows
- Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
- Carrying a weapon to school
- Overreacting to criticism
- Restlessness and agitation
- Bullying
- Misplaced or unwarranted jealousy
- Involvement with or interest in gangs
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
The more signs you see the greater the chance the child needs
help. The National Mental Health Association�s toll-free
Information Line can help parents and teachers find community
resources. NMHA also provides informational brochures on children�s
mental health issues, such as a Teen Survival Guide to Surviving
Stress, Teen Depression, Coping with Loss, Youth Violence and What
Every Child Needs for Good Mental Health.
For more information, contact your local Mental Health
Association or the National Mental Health
Association at (800) 969-NMHA.
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
Established in 1909, the National Mental Health Association is
America�s leading mental health advocacy organization dedicated to
improving understanding, treatment and services for adults and
children with mental health needs.
The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) is the country's
oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of
mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates
nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all
Americans through advocacy, education, research and service.
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