Parenting Expert: How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – With the number of active school shootings on the rise across the country, New York Times bestselling author and parenting expert Harry Harrison spoke with WBAP and KLIF about the importance of talking with kids about the potential dangers they face at school. Harrison starts by saying that the best time to start the conversation depends on the child’s age and temperament, but that the healthiest time would be in the sixth grade. He also suggests that younger children not be allowed to watch crisis events unfold on television, or be subjected to talk of such. Harrison says that as kids grow older, they want to comprehend these incidents and ask questions, and this can be a great opportunity for parents to explain the actions taken by the shooter, their motive, and how they can look for warning signs at their own school.

If a child happens to see news of a mass shooting and get nervous or scared, Harrison says it’s completely reasonable to allow them to stay home from school for a day, but don’t let it be consistent, adding that parents can use that opportunity to ease their child’s fears, while strengthening their courage to return to school.

In the day of cell phones, Harrison says they can be a lifeline between parents, students, and authorities in a crisis situation. He says it’s completely reasonable for parents and students to maintain a line of communication during a crisis, but it can become dangerous when a child posts on social media, especially if they give their location, or hints to where they are, if in an active shooter situation. He says students should remain calm, follow given instructions, and only share their location with police or their parents.

Lastly, Harrison says one of the best ways to be prepared is to be aware of one’s surroundings, including watching for behaviors or objects that don’t seem to be ordinary. He suggests students confide in their parents and get to know their school resource officer, and use them as contact points if they see any threats online or at school.