How to talk with young people about gun violence
May 25, 2022, Lori Dossett
Recently we have been inundated with news about unthinkable loss of life due to gun violence – customers at a grocery store in New York, church attendees in California, and yesterday’s school shooting in Texas. We are burdened by the tragic news of 19 young children and two teachers’ lives taken far too soon. All of us at Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities are deeply troubled and angry.
Words are inadequate and time may not be able to heal the pain caused by this senseless act. Our hearts are with the grieving families, students, staff, and the entire Uvalde community mourning the lives lost in this unimaginable tragedy.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, we are defenders of potential. Together, we work to affirm, uplift, respect, and most importantly protect the children in our communities. In a tragedy like this, youth are again faced with a horrific trauma in a place that should be a safe space. This hits close to home.
Many of us are asking “why.” Unfortunately, we don’t have an answer. As a mentoring organization, we support the parenting adults and caring mentors who are facing difficult discussions with their own young people. We have compiled several resources to guide you in speaking about gun violence with youth and supporting them through these ongoing traumas.
In any traumatic situation like this, it is especially important to practice good self-care, so that you are able to support others. In this process, if your child or Little is struggling and needs more support than these resources can provide, please reach out to your BBBS program coordinator for additional support.
The aftermath of gun violence affects us all, but it disproportionately impacts young people who are seeking answers we cannot provide. We encourage you to check in with the young people in your life, if only to listen and let them know you care. Thank you for doing all you can to help us be Bigger Together!
RESOURCES
- How to respond when you don’t know what to say (blog post)
- Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting (article)
- Talking to children about violence – tips for parents and teachers (blog post)
- Talking to children about the shooting (NCTSN article)
- Parents guidelines for helping youth after the recent shooting (NCTSN article)
- Age-related reactions to traumatic events (NCTSN article)
- Assisting parents/caregivers in coping with collective trauma (NCTSN article)
- Children’s responses to trauma (article)
- How to talk to kids about school shootings (article)
CRISIS LINES & SUPPORT
Ramsey County Children’s Crisis Response: 651.266.7878
Hennepin County Children’s Crisis Response: 612.596.1223
Call **CRISIS (274747) from anywhere in the State of Minnesota to reach your local County crisis team
Walk-In Counseling Center
