Talking to Kids About School Shootings
Monday’s Virginia Tech shooting tragedy has brought the news of 33 violent deaths to every TV screen, newspaper, and Web headline. Our kids have so much access to current events that they often have to sort through awful stories like this one on their own.

But sometimes the information they have isn\'t correct -- especially when it\'s conveyed virally. Like the old game of telephone, there can be distortion. Then again, sometimes it\'s horrifyingly accurate -- clear footage caught on cell phones and immediately available online. Here are some common sense suggestions for talking to your kids about what they\'ve seen and heard so far.

 

Ask them what they know. With so many sources available to them, kids may have inaccurate information. Start by finding out what they\'ve heard and ask them where they got that information. If it\'s inaccurate, correct it.

 

Reassure them that they\'re safe. It\'s helpful to encourage children to talk about what upsets or scares them. This will be easiest if they know they\'re safe. Try not to dismiss their fears as unimportant. It helps to acknowledge their concerns while creating a calm perspective.

 

Give age-appropriate information. Elementary school-aged children don\'t need to see the news, hear it on the radio, or see pictures in the newspapers. Studies show that most kids still get their news from the family TV tuned to the local news program -- so keep the TV off when young kids are around.

 

Talk honestly about this kind of violence to your older kids. Tell them what you think so they don\'t feel like their feelings are unique.

 

For more information, go to the National Mental Health Association.