Another school tragedy in the Los Angeles area involved a 12 year old girl, a gun and two seriously injured young teens when that weapon was shot inside a classroom. So…. Fox 11 Los Angeles called me in to have an on-air talk about this, parents to parents.
Again, I am aghast at how many times I’ve been required to address this type of violence on TV in the last few years…
What to say? How to handle? It’s the inevitable question that frankly has very few answers to solve our issues…
First of all: GET PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT AND HELP IF YOU NEED. Also…
Be honest with kids about safety at school — in age appropriate contexts.
Reassure them (as parents) that they are safe now, with you, and that teachers and other students are available to support and help.
Fake your own confidence and strength… to give them strength.
Remind them that, IF they notice something ‘off’ or potentially dangerous about another student or friend, to SAY SOMETHING to someone who can help — a parent, a teacher, all of the above.
AND, something I forgot to actually SAY on camera: Get off social media once the event is over — watching and commenting and re-living the horrific event will only make things worse, mentally and emotionally.
Our tough talk on Fox 11 Los Angeles with anchors Christine Devine & Dan Cohen:
