Nationwide, Children Feel Colorado Tragedy

National Mental Health Association Offers Tips for Parents & Teachers

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National Mental Health Association

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 21, 1999 -- "The tragic shootings in Colorado will impact children across the country," says Michael Faenza, president and CEO of the National Mental Health Association (NMHA). "The intense news coverage of the incident brings school safety issues to the forefront for all of us. However, children in particular may experience anxiety, fear, and a sense of personal risk."

Faenza suggests that parents, teachers, and other adults pay close attention to the way children react to the incident. "Children need to feel a sense of personal control and adults can help them gain that by talking openly about the Colorado shooting as well as the child's feelings."

To guide parents through discussions about the Colorado incident, the National Mental Health Association offers the following suggestions:

• Talk honestly about the incident, without graphic detail, and share some of your own feelings about it. It is important for children to feel informed when they see their parents and other adults reacting to a crisis.

• Encourage children to talk about their concerns and to express their feelings. (Some children may be hesitant to initiate such conversation, so you may want to ask what the child has heard about the incident and how they feel about it). Validate the child's feelings. Do not minimize his/her very real concerns.

• Limit television viewing for younger children, especially those of preschool age. It is very difficult for young children to process the images and messages in news reports.

• Let children know that such tragic incidents are not common, and that on a day-to-day basis schools are safe places.

• Empower children to take action about their own school safety. Encourage them child to share with an adult their concerns about school safety or specific incidents (such as bullying, threats or talk of suicide). Let children know they can talk to you anytime they feel threatened or fearful.

• Recognize what may be behind a child's behavior. Younger children may react directly to the school shootings by not wanting to attend school or participate in school-based activities. Teens and adolescents may minimize their concerns outwardly, but may become argumentative, withdrawn, or allow their school performance to decline.

• Keep the dialogue going even after media coverage subsides. Continue to talk with children about their feelings and discuss actions being taken to make schools and communities safer. Open dialogue about safety issues will encourage children to share future concerns with you or another caring adult.

• Seek help when necessary. If you are worried about a child's reaction or have ongoing concerns about his/her behavior or emotions, contact a mental health professional at school or at your community mental health center. Your local Mental Health Association can direct you to resources in your community.

The National Mental Health Association's toll-free Information Line can help parents and teachers find community resources. NMHA also provides informational brochures on children's mental health issues, such as a Teen Survival Guide to Surviving Stress, Teen Depression, and What Every Child Needs for Good Mental Health. For information, please call 800-969-NMHA.

Established in 1909, the National Mental Health Association is America's leading mental health advocacy organization dedicated to improving understanding, treatment and services for adults and children with mental health needs. Michael Faenza is a social worker with more than 20 years experience working with at-risk youth. He is chair of the National Prevention Coalition and an active member of the National Coalition of Juvenile Justice.

CONTACT: Patrick Cody of the National Mental Health Association, 703-838-7528