Spencerport Central School District

When there is a major news event or tragedy, your child will very likely hear about it when they go to school the next day. Inform your child of the basic facts of the event before they go to school, and especially before they hear variations from other children. Do not share graphic detail or elaborations.

• Encourage your children to talk, if they wish, and listen to their concerns.
• Answer questions truthfully and at a level appropriate to your child’s level of understanding. It is okay not to have an answer to “why it happened”.
• Make sure your child knows that they are safe, but do not give false reassurance.
• Limit exposure to media, conversations or upsetting details about the event.
• Do not share your own fears in your child’s presence.
• Check in with them again when they get home to clarify misunderstandings or rumors and answer questions.
• Check with your child’s school on how they are handling the news event and what support they are providing students. Your child’s school may put something in place with their counseling staff or they may have contacted another agency in the community to assist them.
• Familiarize yourself with the school emergency plan.
• Have a family emergency plan and practice it with your children.
• Reactions such as increased fearfulness, nightmares, or separation anxiety are not unusual and generally go away with basic support. If your child continues to show emotional or behavioral changes, contact your child’s primary care provider or a mental health professional who is experienced in helping children cope with traumatic events.

• Reassure them that they are safe and that there is no danger at their school, and that the event is over.
• Consider accompanying them into school for a day or two if you can.
• Alert their teacher and/or counselor that they are fearful.
• Remember – your children take their cues from you – be calm and reassuring.
   

• Trauma Resource Book List
• Mindfulness and Other Calming Strategies Book List
• Recognizing Stress Reactions
• Managing Stress in Times of Crisis
• Coping After a Traumatic Event
• Helping Children and Youth Cope
• After a Crisis Helping Young Children Heal
• Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events
• Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
• 12 Ways to Help Others with Grief
• Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas
• Helping People After a Loss
• Faculty and Staff Responding to School Violence in Elementary Schools
• Faculty and Staff Responding to School Violence in Middle and High Schools
• Children's Psychological Health Center Free Guided Activity Workbooks
• Self Care for Educators
• Trauma Resources

• Talking to Children About Violence:Tips for Parents and Teachers – Tip Sheet for Parents and Teachers
• Tips for School Administrators for Reinforcing School Safety
• Talking to Kids (or Not) About What Happened in Connecticut (includes some concrete examples of what to say and how to say it particularly with young children)
• Coping with Stress Following Mass Shooting
• Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence
• Teachers Guidelines for Helping Students After Mass Violence

• Talking Points to Assist Adults When Talking to Teens about "13 Reasons Why" Series on Netflix
• Tips for Parents for "13 Reasons Why" and Suicide
• Netflix "13 Reasons Why": Considerations for Educators and Parents
• How to Talk to a Child about a Suicide Attempt in Your Family
• How to Talk to a Teenager about a Suicide Attempt in Your Family
• Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event

• Tips for Supporting Students Who Have Been Victimized
• Tips for Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse 
• The 5 Safety Rules
• Tips for Talking to Children Regarding Concerns of Sexual Abuse