Active Shooter Event: A Guide for Parents and Educators
By Lauro Amezcua-Patino, MD, FAPA and Vincent Peres-Mazzola
This is a blog we would prefer not to write, but it reflects the unfortunate reality of the United States today — a reality that restricts the freedom and happiness of our children. As students return to school, parents and educators face the essential yet challenging task of preparing them for various emergencies, including the rare but deeply troubling threat of an active shooter event. While it is crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity and care, being prepared can help reduce fear and enhance safety.
Creating a Safety Plan
Creating a comprehensive safety plan is crucial for helping students navigate the complexities of emergencies, including potential active shooter events. This plan should address communication, practical actions, and emotional preparedness to ensure that children are well-equipped to respond calmly and effectively.
Discussing Safety with Children: Begin by having age-appropriate conversations with your child about safety. For younger children, keep the discussion simple and reassuring. Use clear, concrete language, avoiding unnecessary details that could cause anxiety. For instance, explain that their school has procedures to keep them safe and that they should listen to their teachers in emergencies.
Explaining Safety Procedures: As they age, children can handle more detailed information. Explain the basic concepts of emergency protocols such as “lockdown,” “evacuation,” and “shelter in place.” Use examples and scenarios to illustrate these terms and how they will be applied in different situations.
Reinforce the Role of School Staff: Ensure children understand the roles of teachers, security staff, and first responders. Explain that these adults are there to guide and protect them during emergencies. Knowing who to turn to for help can provide reassurance and clarity.
Know the Procedures: Familiarize yourself with your child’s school safety protocols. Schools typically have detailed plans for lockdowns, evacuations, and other emergencies. Understand these procedures so you can explain them accurately to your child.
Discuss School Drills: Schools conduct regular drills to prepare students for emergencies.
Encouraging Emotional Preparedness
Emotional preparedness is a critical component of comprehensive safety planning. While practical knowledge about emergency procedures is essential, helping children develop emotional resilience ensures they can manage their feelings and respond calmly during stressful situations.
Create a Safe Space for Discussions: Establish an environment where your child feels comfortable talking about their thoughts and feelings. Please encourage them to express any fears or concerns about school safety or emergencies. Let them know that it is expected to have these feelings and that talking about them is a healthy way to process emotions.
Be a Reassuring Presence: Use calm and reassuring language when discussing safety and emergencies. Avoid making the conversation overly dramatic or frightening. Instead, focus on providing a sense of security and emphasizing that safety measures are in place to protect everyone.
Normalize Emotional Reactions: Help your child understand that feeling nervous or scared in the face of potential emergencies is normal. Validate their emotions and provide reassurance that feeling this way does not mean they cannot handle the situation.
Introduce Relaxation Techniques: Equip your child with relaxation techniques that they can use to manage anxiety and stress. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization exercises can effectively calm the mind and body. Practice these techniques together to ensure they become second nature.
Encourage Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness can help children stay grounded and reduce anxiety. Teach them simple mindfulness exercises, such as focusing on their breath or paying attention to their surroundings, to help them stay present and manage stress.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Teach your child problem-solving skills to help them navigate challenging situations. Discuss potential scenarios and work through possible solutions together. This helps build confidence and provides a sense of control in unpredictable situations.
Simulate Scenarios in a Controlled Environment: Role-playing emergency scenarios can help children become familiar with how to respond. Create practice situations where they can act out various emergency responses in a safe and supportive setting. This can include practicing lockdown drills, evacuation procedures, or finding a safe spot.
Keep Role-Playing Positive: Ensure that role-playing is done in a positive and supportive manner. Emphasize that the purpose is to practice and prepare, not to induce fear. Reinforce the idea that these practices are about being ready and feeling confident.
Debrief After Drills: Take time to debrief with your child after practicing scenarios. Discuss what went well, what could be improved, and how they felt during the exercise. Please address any questions or concerns they may have and provide additional reassurance.
Encourage Positive Self-Talk: Teach your child the importance of positive self-talk. Help them develop affirmations or statements they can use to boost their confidence and reduce anxiety. For example, phrases like “I am safe,” “I know what to do,” or “I can handle this” can be empowering.
Promote a Growth Mindset: Encourage a growth mindset by helping your child view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats. Reinforce the idea that learning and practicing safety measures is a way to build skills and resilience.
Highlight Past Successes: Remind your child of times when they handled stressful situations effectively. Highlighting their previous successes can boost their confidence and help them recognize their ability to manage difficult circumstances.
Be a Role Model: Demonstrate calmness and resilience in reacting to stressful situations. Children often look to adults for cues on responding, so modeling positive behavior can influence how they handle their emotions.
Offer Regular Check-Ins: Regularly check in with your child about their feelings and experiences. Create opportunities for them to share their thoughts and ask questions about safety and emergencies. Continuous support helps them feel valued and understood.
Encourage Participation in Supportive Activities: Involve your child in activities that promote emotional well-being and resilience. This can include extracurricular activities, hobbies, or social groups that help build confidence and provide a sense of community.
Collaborate with School Counselors: Engage with school counselors or mental health professionals to support your child’s emotional preparedness. Schools often have resources and programs to help students manage stress and anxiety.
Utilize Mental Health Resources: If your child shows signs of significant anxiety or emotional distress, consider seeking support from mental health professionals. Therapy or counseling can provide tailored strategies and support for managing stress and building emotional resilience.
Building Awareness and Confidence
Foster Confidence Through Training: Schools often train students on how to respond to emergencies. Encourage your child to participate actively in these drills and to ask questions if they are unsure about anything.
Teach Awareness of Surroundings: Help your child become aware of their surroundings, such as the locations of exits and safe spots within their school environment. This can make them feel more in control.
Discuss the Role of Staff and Law Enforcement: Explain the roles of school staff and law enforcement officers. Knowing who is there to help and what they might do can provide reassurance and clarity.
Maintaining Normalcy and Positivity
Emphasize the Rare Nature of Events: Stress that while schools take precautions, active shooter events are infrequent. Many people work hard to ensure their safety.
Focus on Positives: Highlight the positive aspects of school, such as learning, friendships, and activities. Reinforce that the focus should be on these enjoyable and educational aspects rather than on potential threats.
Ensure Regular Check-Ins: Maintain regular communication with your child about their experiences and feelings about school. Continuous support can help them feel secure and valued.
Involvement of Educators and Schools
Collaborate with School Officials: Work with school officials to understand and support their safety initiatives. Engage in school-sponsored workshops or meetings that address emergency preparedness.
Support Mental Health Resources: Advocate for and utilize mental health resources available at schools. Counseling services can provide additional support for children who may have heightened anxiety.
Promote a Culture of Safety: Encourage schools to foster a culture of safety and awareness. Support programs that teach students about safety in a balanced and constructive manner.
Legal and Policy Considerations
Stay Informed: Stay updated with local laws and school safety and emergency preparedness policies. Ensure you are aware of any changes or updates affecting your child’s safety.
Advocate for Comprehensive Safety Measures: Support and advocate for comprehensive safety measures and school training programs. This can include everything from physical security upgrades to mental health support systems.
Final Thoughts
Preparing children for a potential active shooter event is an endeavor that must be approached with great care and consideration. The goal is to equip students with practical safety skills and provide them with the emotional support and reassurance they need to thrive in their educational environment.
Focus on Empowerment, Not Fear: The primary objective of safety preparation is to empower children, not to instill fear. Emphasize that the strategies and plans help them feel secure and safe. Reiterate that while such events are rare, having a plan ensures everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Encourage Positive Engagement: Integrate safety discussions into broader personal responsibility and resilience conversations. Help children understand that being prepared is part of being a responsible and proactive school community member. This approach can foster a sense of control and self-efficacy rather than fear.
Provide Reassurance: Regularly reassure children that their safety is a top priority for their family and school. Stress the robust measures and preparedness plans in place designed to protect them. Reinforce that their school is a safe environment supported by trained professionals.
Maintain Open Communication Channels: Encourage children to express their concerns and ask questions about safety protocols. Be a reliable source of comfort and information, addressing any uncertainties they may have calmly and clearly. Active listening can help identify and alleviate any underlying anxieties.
Utilize School Resources: Leverage school resources such as counselors and mental health professionals. Schools often have trained staff who can provide additional support and reassurance. Collaborate with these resources to ensure a consistent and supportive safety and emotional well-being approach.
Promote Peer Support: Foster a culture of mutual support among students. Encourage them to look out for one another and offer help if a peer seems distressed. Peer support can be a powerful tool in alleviating individual fears and reinforcing a collective sense of security.
Support and Engage in School Safety Initiatives: Advocate for and participate in school safety programs and drills. Your involvement can help ensure that safety measures are effective and that students are familiar with them. Support policies and practices that enhance both physical and emotional safety in schools.
Advocate for Mental Health Resources: Support integrating mental health education and resources into the school environment. Mental health support can be crucial in helping students manage stress and anxiety related to safety concerns. Schools prioritizing mental well-being are better equipped to handle the emotional aspects of preparedness.
Promote a Culture of Safety and Preparedness: Encourage schools to foster an overall safety culture. This includes physical security and creating an environment where students feel valued and heard. A positive and supportive school culture can enhance the effectiveness of safety measures and contribute to a more resilient student body.
Highlight the Positive Aspects of School: While safety is paramount, it is equally important to emphasize the everyday joys and educational benefits of school. Focus on learning opportunities, friendships, and extracurricular activities that make school a positive and enriching experience.
Balance Safety with Enjoyment: Ensure that discussions about safety do not overshadow the excitement and positive experiences associated with returning to school. Celebrate the beginning of the school year with activities and conversations highlighting education's fun and fulfilling aspects.
Encourage Resilience Through Routine: Help children establish and maintain their regular routines as much as possible. Consistency and routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability, reassuring and comforting in times of uncertainty.
Preparing children for a potential active shooter event involves a delicate balance of practical safety training and emotional support. By focusing on clear communication, fostering a supportive environment, advocating for comprehensive safety measures, and promoting a sense of normalcy, parents and educators can help children feel both secure and confident.