What Can You Do as a Parent
- Talk with your student about reporting concerns to district staff or law enforcement.
- Be aware of all surroundings. If something does not seem right, report it.
- If you have firearms or weapons in your home, please secure them.
- Stay informed.
- Listen to your student and help them process any concerns they may have.
- Model appropriate behaviors. Demonstrate healthy ways to express anger and relieve stress.
- Take an active role in your student’s education. Visit and volunteer at school, monitor schoolwork, and get to know teachers.
- Get to know your student’s friends and families. Establish a network to exchange information with other parents.
- Monitor and supervise your student’s reading material, television, video games, and music for appropriate content.
- Monitor and supervise your student’s use of the Internet and ALL social media.
- Watch for warning signs in your child/ren.
- In situations such as the tragedy in Florida, an at-risk student shows warning signs. Some signs of potential violence may be factors such as:
- Serious drug or alcohol use;
- Gang membership or strong desire to be in a gang;
- Access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns;
- Trouble controlling feelings like anger or disappointment;
- Withdrawal from friends and usual participation in activities or events;
- Regularly feeling rejected or alone;
- Feeling constantly disrespected;
- Increased loss of temper resulting in violent or aggressive behavior;
- Frequent physical fighting;
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs;
- Increased risk-taking behavior;
- Declining school performance;
- Acute episodes of major mental illness;
- Planning on how to commit acts of violence;
- Announcing threats or plans for hurting others;
- Obtaining or carrying weapons; and/or
- Displaying harm or cruelty to animals
- If you see something, say something!
Students in these situations will often share their plans with other students. Again, talk and listen to your child and his/her friends.