Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/107698
verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can indicate a child's level of anxiety or discomfort. In most children, these symptoms will ease with reassurance and time. However, some children may be at risk for more intense reactions. Children who have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others. Seek the help of a mental health professional if you are at all concerned. 4 Limit media exposure. Limit television viewing and be aware if the television is on in common areas. Monitor what kids are viewing online and how they are consuming information about the event through social media. Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children. Adults also need to be mindful of the content of conversations that they have with each other in front of children, even teenagers, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood. 4 Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but don't push them if they seem overwhelmed. IN DEPTH LOOK From the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). NASP has additional information for parents and educators on school safety, violence prevention, children's trauma reactions, and crisis response at www.nasponline.org. f Suggested Points to Emphasize When Talking to Children f 4 Schools are safe places. Educators work with parents and public safety providers (local police and fire departments, emergency responders, hospitals, etc.) to keep you safe. The school building is safe because … (cite specific school procedures). 4 We all play a role in the school safety. Be observant and let an adult know if you see or hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable, nervous, or frightened. 4 There is a difference between reporting, tattling, or gossiping. You can provide important information that may prevent harm either directly or anonymously by telling a trusted adult what you know or hear. 4 Don't dwell on the worst possibilities. Although there is no absolute guarantee that something bad will never happen, it is important to understand the difference between the possibility of something happening and the probability that it will affect our school. 4 Senseless violence is hard for everyone to understand. Doing things that you enjoy, sticking to your normal routine, and being with friends and family help make us feel better and keep us from worrying about the event. 4 Sometimes people do bad things that hurt others. They may be unable to handle their anger, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or suffering from mental illness. Adults (parents, teachers, police officers, doctors, faith leaders) work very hard to get those people help and keep them from hurting others. It is important for all of us to know how to get help if we feel really upset or angry and to stay away from drugs and alcohol. Spring.13advo.indd 21 4 Stay away from guns and other weapons. Tell an adult if you know someone has a gun. Access to guns is one of the leading risk factors for deadly violence. 4 Violence is never a solution to personal problems. Students can be part of the positive solution by participating in anti-violence programs at school, learning conflict mediation skills, and seeking help from an adult if they or a peer is struggling with anger, depression, or other emotions they cannot control. 2 Keeping Schools Safe Before, During, and After a Crisis l Schoo Crisis Guide aling nd He Help a e of Crisis Tim in a befo re dur ing afte r h gen ed wit Produc from t suppor erous The NEA Health Information Network created The School Crisis Guide in order to foster the creation of crisis teams with the ideas, tips, tools, and, resources that spur effective leadership and crisis management. Knowing what to do in a crisis can be the difference between stability and upheaval. The guide can be found online at crisisguide.neahin. org/crisisguide. AEA Advocate x Spring 2013 21 1/29/13 10:53 AM