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The world, nowadays, is seeing an increasing amount of violence in various forms which may have a negative effect on children, especially during their developmental phase. Children, in particular, may experience anxiety, fear, and a sense of personal risk as they are more exposed to images, stories and videos speaking of violence in various situations like homes, schools, literally anywhere and everywhere.  As an educator, the best you can do to help children cope with such issues is to initiate a conversation, guide them and talk them through this, equip them with reliable and accurate information while instilling the right values.

After going through a school counsellor training, you will get a hold of the ways to talk with your students about violence which will play an important role in easing fear and anxieties about their safety in a situation as well as help them in managing rising concerns.

Let us look at some of the ways to initiate the talk or to guide children through discussions about fear and violence.

Encourage kids to talk regarding what they see and hear

As an educator, try to encourage young learners to speak about their concerns and express their feelings. Some children may hesitate to initiate or be a part of such conversations, you can prompt them by asking whether they feel safe at school, in their neighbourhood, while in the playground or in public places. It needs to be remembered that ‘the talk” must be at par with their level of understanding. As for example, they might not know what exactly violence is, but can narrate an incident about being afraid of a classmate or something they saw online etc.

Have an open conversation

An open conversation with students stating your own feelings and being honest about those feelings regarding violence help them recognise the fact that they are not the only ones dealing with their fears alone. Keeping an open forum for such a discussion helps in admitting to and explaining that there are certain feelings that even adults can have problem dealing with.

Discuss various safety procedures

Discuss about the various safety measures that are in place at the school, in neighbourhood and in other public places. It would be best if you can arrange a presentation by the school staff or members of the local police force or a maybe members of a neighbourhood safety team etc.

The need to validate the feelings

Do not minimize a child’s concern or fear. Let your students know that serious acts of violence are not common or likely despite so much media attention.

Create safety plans

Help your students identify which adult figure/s your students can confide in whenever they feel threatened. Also, ensure that the child knows how to reach you or any family member/friend in case a situation arises. Remind them that they can talk to you anytime.

Empower children

Encourage children to report certain incidents (as for e.g. bullying, threats or talk of suicide, domestic violence or weapons) and to develop quick problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Encourage older children to actively participate in student run awareness campaigns or any anti-violence program/s arranged by school.

To seek help when necessary

Talk with parents over issues and if they are worried about a child’s reaction or have ongoing concerns about his/her behaviour or emotions, they should contact their ward’s school counsellor at once.

You can instill a sense of safety among your young learners and help them gain a sense of personal control by following the mentioned steps that will leave them with a better and positive outlook towards life.