Following Boston Marathon Tragedy, Student Discussion Resources Available

On Monday, April 15, two powerful bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people, including an 8-year-old child, and injuring more than 100. The FBI then launched what it described as “a criminal investigation that is a potential terrorist investigation.”

One bombing suspect was killed in a police shootout, while his brother (a second suspect) was arrested on April 19 and remains hospitalized.

In the wake of this tragedy, EducationWorld shares the following resources for school staff and families. Below, we provide expert advice on talking with children who have been affected by this event or who are watching the associated news coverage.

The American Psychological Association offers the following tips:

• Start the conversation. Let young people know you are interested in them and how they are coping with the information they are getting.
• Listen to their thoughts and point of view. Don't interrupt — allow them to express their ideas and understanding before you respond.
• Keep home a safe place. Help make it a place where your children find the solitude or comfort they need.
• Watch for signs of stress, fear or anxiety. After a traumatic event, it is typical for children (and adults) to experience a wide range of emotions, including fearfulness, shock, anger, grief and anxiety. They may experience trouble sleeping, difficulty with concentrating on school work or changes in appetite. This is normal and should begin to disappear in a few months. Seek professional help if symptoms continue to interfere with daily living.
• Take “news breaks.” It is important to limit the amount of time spent watching the news (or for young children, avoid watching news coverage altogether) because constant exposure may heighten kids’ anxiety and fears.

The EducationWorld article When Tragedy Strikes: What Schools Should Do offers additional recommendations on supporting traumatized, anxious and grieving students. These include:

• Do not underestimate the impact of the event and share as many facts as possible.
• Offer emotional assistance right away.
• Provide opportunities for young people to talk about their emotions.

Related resource

Teacher Resources for Talking About Tragedy
These sources offer guidance for talking with children about violence and terrorism.

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