Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators

High profile acts of mass violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children and youth who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. However, caregivers and school personnel have a responsibility to help children and youth feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security, reinforcing their natural resilience, and talking with them about their fears. … more

School Violence Prevention

All schools work to prevent school violence and schools are very safe places. Students, staff, and parents all have an important role in promoting school safety. … more

Best Practice Considerations for Schools in Active Shooter and Other Armed Assailant Drills

This document provides guidance on the important factors schools must take into account when considering and conducting armed assailant drills. … more

School Safety Drills and Exercises for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Tips and Resources for Educators

Threat Assessment at School

Threat assessment represents an important component of a comprehensive approach to school safety that gives schools an alternative to zero tolerance discipline policies that have proven to be ineffective and counterproductive. … more

Bullying Prevention

Bullying is an unacceptable behavior that adults and students have a responsibility to stop. Schools must have clear and comprehensive prevention practices and policies that address all forms of bullying and harassment. … more

Recovery From Large-Scale Crises: Guidelines for Crisis Teams and Administrators

The United States has recently experienced numerous large-scale crises that resulted in high death tolls and extensive property damage. Critical incidents such as suicide contagion, natural disasters, or mass casualty events have the potential to cause traumatic reactions and significantly affect children’s sense of safety and security. … more

Responding to a Mass Casualty Event at a School: General Guidance for the First Stage of Recovery

It is important to balance sufficient building security with a healthy, nurturing, school environment. The goal is to reassure students that although there is a possibility of violence occurring in a school, the probability of a school experiencing a high-profile violent act is extremely low. … more

Mitigating Psychological Effects of Lockdowns

While school shootings are rare, perception of risk is high. Designed to protect students from danger in and around a school, lockdowns are intended to secure a school to keep out a threat. … more

Reunification

During and after a crisis, schools are accountable for maintaining the chain of custody for every student, and reunification also helps with the reestablishment of social support systems. … more