Keeping your Kids Safe in the age of School Shootings

With the recent school shootings, parents have become more concerned about the safety of their children in the building and grounds of their school.

While it may appear difficult to have these conversations with children, especially elementary school children, it has become a necessary conversation.

Psychology Today  discusses ways to keep your kids safe:

1.     Pay attention to school “chatter” or anything they may hear in the hallway or see on social media that sounds as if it might involve a safety issue and REPORT IT!

2.     Assume the worst about noises in the hallway. Train your child to react and not to worry about the appropriateness of their reaction.  The mantra “better to be safe than sorry” applies here.  In other words, if your child hears a scuffle or any unusual sounds in the hallways, hide first and ask questions later. 

3.     Obey their instincts – if they feel something is “off” go talk to an adult, teacher in charge, or use an anonymous source.  Children and teens often aren’t used to speaking with adults about their concerns.  It is important to make sure your child is comfortable speaking to their counselors, teachers and administrative staff.

4.     Report anything that looks unusual – from a stray bag in the hallway to someone wearing bulky clothing.

5.     Ask if the school is regularly practicing safety drills.  Review any feasible plan that your family may have regarding running versus hiding and where to meet.

At Lehigh Valley Counseling we would like to add that in Pennsylvania, every school is required to have a Student Assistance Program and the “SAP” team at that school is a great way to make an anonymous report or referral.  Ask your child about their SAP team and make sure they know how to make a referral. As a parent, you can also make an anonymous referral if you have concerns about a student-even your own. Visit the school’s website and learn more about SAP services and the referral process.