We see a lot of school violence in the media these days. As parents, it’s on our minds constantly. Statistically, we live in a country that’s safer than ever, but the incidents of violence can be… dramatic. Some kids who are aware of the news may feel anxious or worried about going to school. That makes talking about school safety extremely important.

Encourage your kids to speak open and honestly

The best way to get a read on your kids is to create an environment where honest communication is welcome and expected. Ask lots of questions. Don’t belittle their feelings. They may not understand what violence is or how it affects them, so you might have to drag it out.

Look out for signs that show your child is a victim of school violence, causing school violence, or worried about school violence. They may show any of these signs:

• Sudden performance drop
• Refusal to participate in activities
• Withdrawn, jealous, angry, restless or sullen attitude
• Dark/bleak creative work (writing, drawing, etc.)
• Obsession with weapons or violence
• Overreacting to criticism; feelings of victimization
• Bullying of other people

Validate their feelings

Even if your kids’ opinions or questions seem silly, you have to take them seriously. Otherwise they won’t come to you with their concerns in the future (when it might really matter). They may come to you with over-the-top fears, like a concern that school violence is rampant and going to happen any minute. Reassure them with facts and honest information.

Make them aware of safety precautions

Every school has a bevy of safety precautions in place to protect kids. Visitors have to sign in. Doors are locked. Teachers are stationed in key areas during recreation time. Schools spend a lot of resources on providing a safe environment. If your child is aware of these, he/she may feel safer.

Create a safety plan

The first part of a safety plan is vigilance. Encourage your kids to report any violence-related incidents, like bullying, threats, weapons, or anyone who seems ready to hurt themselves. Encourage them to use any conflict-resolution skills if they have them, but the best course is to always notify a teacher or administrator.

Sometimes it’s tough for kids to talk to any teacher at school, especially if they don’t know them. Help your child foster a relationship with a child or teacher that they can trust. Encourage them to go to this person with any concerns at school.

Help your child understand any safety procedures the school has, like where to go in an emergency or how to behave. Hopefully they never have to be used, but if they do, you want your child to understand them exactly.

Finally, make sure the school knows how to reach you in the event of an emergency. Keep your contact information updated, as well as the information of other people you trust to care for your child if you can’t be reached. 

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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