How To Talk To Kids About Gun Violence: BPS

BOSTON — In the wake of Tuesday's deadly shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas — the third mass shooting in under two weeks — Massachusetts parents and educators are faced with a tough decision: how, or whether, to talk to their kids about gun violence.

Mental health experts, like Psychologist Dr. Erica Lee at Boston Children's Hospital, say it's important for kids to hear from their parents that they're safe.

"Letting them know that you're doing everything that you can to protect them; that you would never send them to school if you thought they were going to be unsafe, the school has a good safety plan," Lee told WCVB.

If you're not sure where to start the conversation, you're not alone. Boston Public Schools shared a list of resources from the National Association of School Psychologists for families and educators looking to help their students deal with their natural feelings of grief and fear.

• Addressing Grief in Children: Tips for Parents and Educators
• Supporting Children's Mental Wellness: Tips for Educators
• Supporting Children's Mental Wellness: Tips for Families and Caregivers
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers

Some resources are available in additional languages on the Boston Public Schools website.

Students aren't the only ones who may be afraid to go to school. BPS also provided a resource for building a supportive care culture for educators.

If you notice a change in your child's eating or sleeping habits or their desire to go to school, experts recommend seeking further guidance from a child psychologist or therapist.