Supporting Students in the Midst of Viral Rumors and Fears about School Violence (printable PDF)

Supporting Students in the Midst of Viral Rumors and Fears about School Violence
Tips for Educators, Parents and Community

A few things for us all to remember:

• Even though school violence is extremely rare, it is easily magnified by rumors, social media, and news coverage.
• Situations like these can be scary. It's okay to acknowledge this and ask questions. It's also important to grant each other extra patience and grace.
• Kids are often drawn to sensational topics but may not understand the gravity of jokes or how conversations may be perceived.
• Many kids have not yet learned how to verify information or sort out rumors from facts.

Pay attention if you hear kids talking about school violence

• Step in and ask some questions. Try to clarify the situation.
  "Hey, can you tell me more about what you are discussing?"
  "Are you being serious?" 
  "Where did you hear that information?"
  "Is this something you heard or witnessed firsthand?"
  "Let's go talk to the principal or school counselor about this."
• Make sure to report any information about potential violence.

Provide support when kinds express fear about being safe at school

• Listen first. Acknowledge their feelings.
• Consider age and developmental level.
• Share ways they can get accurate information.
  "Remember that there are many people helping keep our schools safe."
  "Do you know what to do if you see or hear something scary?"
  "Do you want to talk to a School Resource Officer or security officer to learn more about school safety?"
  "Do you remember the safety protocols we use in LPS?"

How to Report Concerns

It is always most helpful when students or community members make a direct report to the school or the LPS 24-Hour Security Department (303-347-3420). This allows for an opportunity to ask questions, gather more information, and offer support. Anyone can also make an anonymous tip through Safe2Tell. This system may feel more comfortable but also limits LPS's ability to follow up.

Access our Report a Concern page.​

• Grief Resources for Kids, Teens and Young Adults - The Dougy Center
• Helping Your Child Deal with Grief
• Helping Your Child Understand a Traumatic Event
• Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What parents can do
• Judi's House - Bereavement support groups for grieving children and teens
• Suicide Clusters: What Can Parents Do
• Supporting Your Child with the Death of a Family Member or Friend
• When a Friend Has Died of Suicide
• Should Children Attend the Funeral?

Parent & Teen Resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

How to Help Teens Who Procrastinate

Anxiety, Kids, and COVID - How to Help Your Kids of All Ages Thrive During Stressful Times - A special 60-minute webinar presentation for teachers, staff, and parents to help their students and children by Dr. Scott Cypers

California Healthy Minds Thriving Kids Project - Being a teenager isn't easy. These evidence-based resources teach a set of mental health skills that can help now and for the rest of your life.

Helping children and their families cope with school anxiety - Listen to a podcast where a leading pediatric mental health expert talks listeners through the common behavioral issue of school refusal in children and provides advice and tools to help prevent, manage and understand this behavior.