School safety has become a top priority for parents and educators. As students are returning to the classrooms after summer break, parents need to confront this reality once again. Ugh.
As a parent, I know one of the last topics you want to bring up with your child is school safety. It is definitely not one of my favorite things to think about, let alone discuss with my own child.
School is a place that we want them to want to go and feel safe.
Starting a new school year is stressful enough. The last thing you want to do is provide more reasons for them to have concerns, especially if you have a child already prone to anxiety.
However, in our current times, it is impossible to shield our children from this reality. From school drills, to hearing news stories to chatter among friends at school, your children are going to hear about the potential for violence at their school.
How to Approach the Discussion
Kids need to know about school safety for a number of reasons. First, they need to be aware of the risks of school violence and how to stay safe. Second, they need to know what to do if they see something suspicious or if there is an emergency at school. Third, they need to be able to report any concerns they have to a trusted adult.
By knowing about school safety, kids can take steps to protect themselves and others. They can also feel more confident and in control in the event of an emergency.
It is important to talk to your children about school safety from a young age. This will help them to understand the risks and to develop safety awareness. When talking to your children about school safety, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be honest and age-appropriate. Don’t sugarcoat the risks of school violence, but also don’t scare your children. Tailor your conversation to their age and maturity level.
- Emphasize that schools are generally safe places. Despite the recent increase in school shootings, schools are still very safe places for children. Reassure your children that they are very unlikely to be a part of a school shooting. You can also reassure them that their school has plans in place in the event that something like this were to occur.
- Teach your children about personal safety. This includes things like being aware of their surroundings, safety around people they don’t know well, bullying, and how to be safe online (if they are allowed access to the internet).
- Encourage your children to report any suspicious activity to a trusted adult. This could be a teacher, a counselor, a parent, or another adult they trust.
- Make sure your children know how to respond to an emergency. This includes not only safety at school, but at home as well. Unfortunately, school violence is not the only thing that you need to prepare your child for. There are safety drills that you can practice at home also, like how to get out of your house if it is on fire.
As always, a parent’s role Is to be a good role model for your children. Locking doors behind you, not leaving candles or pots on the stove unattended, answering a knock at the door after verifying who it is are all examples of ways to promote safe practices at home.
Most parents do not want to face the reality that something bad could happen to their child. Even though talking to your children about school safety is not easy, it is an important conversation to have. Engaging your child in this discussion will empower them to know of the possibilities and the confidence to act on a safety plan.
Tips for Talking To Your Child About School Safety
Here are some additional tips for talking to your children about school safety:
- Choose a time when your child is calm and relaxed. Don’t try to have this conversation when your child is already upset or scared.
- Start by asking your child what they know about school safety. This will help you to gauge their understanding of the topic and to tailor your conversation accordingly.
- Use clear and simple language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your child may not understand.
- Be patient and understanding. It may take time for your child to process this information.
- Reassure your child that they are safe. Let them know that you are there for them and that you will do everything you can to keep them safe.
By following these tips, I hope you can have a productive conversation with your child about school safety. This will help them to stay safe and to feel more confident in their ability to handle any situation.
127 Pediatrics Cares
We can discuss everything from childhood illness, childhood safety, and even parenting tips you may find helpful, e.g.:
- Talking to Your Children About School Safety
- How to Help Kids Prepare for the New School Year
- How Much Screen Time Should My Child Have?
If you are looking for a pediatrician that is on call for your family and sees sick kids quickly look no further than 127 Pediatrics. Dr. Wadley is accepting a limited number of new patients.
© 127 Pediatrics; August 2023
This article exists for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house-calls-only concierge pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. She is also the owner and operator of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center.
