Addressing School Safety & Media Exposure with Your Kids
As a parent, it’s natural to want to shield your child from scary things we hear in the news, like school shootings and other violent events. However, between social media and smartphones, it’s likely your child will hear about them on their own. Instead of avoiding the conversation, parents can address it head-on to help them process any anxiety about what they see and hear.
How school safety concerns impact kids
Concerns about school safety are not unusual. A survey conducted by Pew Research found that 57% of U.S. teenagers worry about the possibility of a shooting happening at their school (Pew Research Center). Even though school shootings remain statistically rare, the anxiety they create is real and entirely valid. That’s why it’s important to help your child navigate these emotions while ensuring they feel safe and prepared.
Talking to your child
If your child sees a news story about a school shooting or incident in the news that caused them concern, ask questions like, “How does this story make you feel?” or “What have you heard about this from your friends?” Listening to their thoughts and fears can help you address concerns directly and correct any misinformation they may have seen online or from peers.
For younger children, keep explanations simple and reassuring: “Schools have safety plans to keep students protected and your teachers are trained to handle emergencies.” If they have questions, answer them honestly but at an age-appropriate level, avoiding details that may increase fear. The goal is to make sure they feel heard while also reinforcing their sense of security.
Reducing anxiety through preparation
Make sure your child understands their school’s safety procedures without feeling overwhelmed. Review safety drills with them calmly, emphasizing that these precautions exist to keep everyone safe — just like fire drills. Emphasize that teachers and school staff are there to protect them, and if they ever feel unsafe, they should speak up to a trusted adult.
Managing social media use
With children spending more time online than ever, monitoring what they’re seeing and setting boundaries around their exposure to upsetting news is key. Here are some ways to help:
- Use parental controls and child-safe filters on their devices to limit violent or graphic content.
- Check in regularly by asking about what they’ve seen online and how it makes them feel. Encourage open conversations so they feel comfortable sharing any concerns.
- Set screen time limits and establish technology-free zones, especially before bed, to prevent news-related anxiety from interfering with their sleep.
- Create a family media plan to set rules around phone use and online activity.
Reassuring your child while staying informed
The goal isn’t to pretend violence doesn’t exist, but to provide reassurance and perspective. Let your child know that schools, teachers and communities are actively working to keep students safe. At the same time, stay informed about what’s happening at your child’s school by attending safety meetings, talking to teachers and reviewing emergency procedures. By taking an active role, you’ll feel more confident in addressing your child’s fears and giving them the support they need.
Reactions in the aftermath of a school shooting
If your child is impacted by a school shooting you may notice differences as they recover, including trouble paying attention and concentrating, being more irritable or defiant, sleep and appetite changes, anxiety and trouble separating from caregivers. These reactions are common and expected in the face of tragedy. If you notice your child continuing to struggle or symptoms are interfering with your child’s ability to function, contact mental health professionals with expertise in trauma.
