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School violence seems to be happening with more regularity and more frequency. During the past few years there have been numerous occasions when we have been confronted with how to talk with kids about school violence. They hear the media reports on the latest school shooting, even more they see and feel the anxiety of their teachers and parents. As adults who work with young children we do our best to give our best to the children each day. Most of us will continue to do so without hesitation, without pause. Now more than ever we know how important our work is. We know how important it is for the children to feel safe and loved. To feel accepted for who they are and how they feel.

We regularly hear of the numerous accounts of bullying, whether it is cyber bullying or face to face. Adults are upset and children are scared.I continually get asked how to respond to children about all of this. Here are some guidelines on supporting children.

Guidelines for talking to kids about school violence

Encourage children to be aware of what is happening around them.
Be a good listener. Pay attention to words and their behaviors.
Answer their questions immediately and directly. Give them information that is developmentally appropriate for them.
Recognize that there may not be simple answers, but still ones that can help children. There is no one right solution for every problem.
Avoid becoming overly dramatic yourself. Even if you are angry or upset, try not to let your own feelings influence how you pay attention to and interpret what the kids are saying and feeling. But do let them know that it is ok to be scared (angry, sad, etc.), while also comforting them and helping them sort through their feelings and actions.
Provide resources to help children manage fears or uncertainties. Include resources that talk about people who have worked together in the past to make life safe for everyone.
Engage the children in creating ways they can make themselves and each other feel safe and happy in the classroom and school.

As adults, we are responsible for supporting the children. Therefore, it is important to continue to reach out and let parents know how things are going as well as what kind of conversations are taking place. For parents it is important to support the staff and teachers who share the responsibility of educating and caring for the children. Because we have the responsibility and the opportunity to be proactive in how we support each other during these challenging times.