In a letter to the families that appeared in today's newsletter, Bethel Superintendent of Schools Christine Carver provided guidance and safety protocols regarding the war in the Middle East which has been dominant in the news and on social media, particularly TicTok.
She said, "As you are aware, the images being displayed on news outlets and social media have been violent and disturbing. As I have communicated many times, particularly on TikTok, exposure to this violent content can have a devastating impact on our students' mental health. I continue to urge families to monitor what their children are viewing and/or to delete accounts that do not filter content that exposes our students to horrific content associated with the conflict.
In our schools, we are highly aware that the conflict is personal for many of our families. If you feel that your child has expressed anxiety, fear, or sadness as a result of these events, please let your school administrator or school counselors know, and we will support them. It is our deepest hope that there will be peace in the region soon."
The Connecticut State Department of Education has recently provided districts with resources that might aid you in helping you process such violence with your children. These resources include:
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How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War: This publication from UNICEF offers specific tips for families to support and comfort their children.
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Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children: This article from the American Psychological Association can help adults effectively navigate these issues with young children.
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Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children: The American Psychological Association provides tips and strategies for parents and teachers of middle school-aged children.
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Resources Addressing Trauma, Violence, and Grief in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: While many of the resources in this document are specific to mass shootings, it includes many excellent resources to address trauma, crises, and other disasters.