It’s the conversation no parent wants to have, yet school violence is a topic more families are being forced to confront. Whether it’s a lockdown drill, news of a school shooting or the recent on-campus stabbing death of a Valley high school student, kids today are growing up in a world where violence at school is not just imaginable — it’s real.
Mental health professionals recognize the emotional toll that school violence takes not just on children, but on families, educators and communities. While we may not be able to shield kids from the harsh realities of the world, we can guide them through their emotions, help them make sense of what they’re feeling and support their mental well-being every step of the way.
Children and teens often process fear and anxiety differently from adults. They might act out, withdraw, have trouble sleeping or complain of physical symptoms like stomach aches. Ignoring or avoiding the conversation around school violence can lead to more confusion and stress…