Students Asking Questions

What do you do when a student asks a question regarding mass violence in the world?

What would you do if a student came into school after the Las Vegas shooting and asked if they were safe? What would you say if the student asked why a person would do that? Societal violence can be a sensitive topic within schools and it can be hard to discuss with students. As educators it is important to know how to approach these situations and what to say to our students to ensure their safety and concerns without over stepping boundaries.

In the article Mass shooting in Las Vegas: How to Talk to Students by Cindy Long, she notes the importance of discussing societal violence and how to talk about it based on grade level. In middle school students will be asking questions and wanting answers on their safety and why the events are happening. Long states that we should take time to listen to the students, be patient with them, and answer their questions in an age appropriate way.

"Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools."

Examples 

Student: I don't get it. How could someone shoot a baby like that? 
Teacher: Understand it is very disturbing to think that someone would shoot an infant. The person who did this was not even thinking about who they were shooting. Their idea was just to try to inflict the most harm as quickly as they could. I don't think he even saw who was harmed.

Student: Why would someone do something like that?

Teacher: It is very hard to understand why someone would do such a thing. Some people don't have the emotional capacity to understand the difference between right and wrong. In their mind they weren't doing anything wrong, they were doing what their ideology thought was right.

Student: Could that happen here?

Teacher: It is not likely for something like that to happen here. You are safe within school and the staff is always finding new ways to keep you safe. 

Student: Are we safe here?

Teacher: Yes, you are safe. The school has many procedures in place to ensure your safety. We also have practice drills that we do at the school in case something ever happens. These drills will help keep you safe.