HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

It is very important to talk to your children about emergency procedures. Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.  Every age group needs to know to take all alerts seriously, even if it is a drill. 

• Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them.  Give simple examples of school safety like reminding children about exterior doors being locked, child monitoring efforts on the playground, and emergency drills practiced during the school day.

• Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools.

• Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in schools and society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe schools by following school safety guidelines (e.g. not providing building access to strangers, reporting strangers on campus, reporting threats to the school safety made by students or community members, etc.), communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators, and accessing support for emotional needs. 

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT DRUGS

Open discussions about topics like substance use should begin when children are young. The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids website has a ton of useful information, as well as talk kits available for download.

1. Keep it Age -Appropriate - Preschoolers don’t respond to the same logic as older kids and vice versa. The way the brain develops as children grow changes the way they process things.

2. Be Clear About Rules and Reasons - Your kids should have no doubts about where you stand on substance use. Make a definitive rule about not smoking, drinking, or using drugs. Then give them the reasons why it’s so important to follow that rule.

3. Lay Down the Law - What punishments will they face if they smoke, drink, or use drugs? Be consistent in these punishments so there’s no doubt as to what will happen. It also won’t hurt to mention the legal consequences again.

4. Talk About Immediate Consequences (Not Just Punishment) - Cigarette smoking can affect their appearance, hygiene, and attractiveness to their peers (yellow teeth, bad skin, bad breath, coughing, constant cigarette smell). Other teens may not want to be around smokers for these reasons. Drunk driving causes injury and death, but they might be swayed by the fact that they could get their license taken away for a long time, if not permanently.  Substance abuse of all types can affect their athletic performance.

5. Explain Addiction - Emphasize that some things are very difficult to quit using after they start the habit. Some people are not able to stop at all, which leads to tragedy.

6. Don't Stop Talking - Talking to kids about drugs and alcohol is not a one-and-done conversation. You have to keep talking to them about it. Keep having the conversation over and over. Even if they seem exasperated, don’t take that as a sign that they’ve heard enough.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT MAKING THREATS AGAINST SCHOOLS

Talking to kids about making threats against schools is a delicate but crucial conversation. Here are some tips to guide parents through this discussion:

1. Create a Safe Space - Start with a calm and non-judgmental tone. Let your child know that they can express their thoughts and ask questions without fear of getting into trouble. Be an active listener. Encourage them to share their feelings and any peer pressure they may face.

2. Explain the Seriousness of Threats - Clearly outline the consequences. Explain that making threats, even as a joke, can lead to serious legal, academic, and social consequences. This can include suspension from school, legal action, or a criminal record. Talk about the emotional impact. Help them understand how threats cause fear and anxiety for classmates, teachers, and parents, and can disrupt the entire community.

3. Discuss the Difference Between Jokes and Threats - Help them recognize the line: Explain that even if something is said as a joke, it can be interpreted as a real threat, and authorities must take it seriously. Provide examples of inappropriate jokes versus respectful humor, making it clear what is acceptable.

4. Teach Empathy and Responsibility - Encourage empathy: Ask them how they would feel if someone made a similar threat against their school or loved ones. Discuss the role of responsibility: Talk about the importance of thinking before speaking or posting something online, and how responsible behavior builds trust with peers and adults.

5. Encourage Reporting - Empower them to speak up. Let them know it's okay to report if they hear or see someone making threats. Assure them that this isn't "tattling" but rather protecting everyone's safety. Provide resources. Make them aware of the Cleveland ISD's reporting hotline or trusted adults they can turn to if they're uncomfortable reporting directly.

6. Monitor Online Behavior - Discuss online conduct. Remind them that online comments or posts are taken as seriously as verbal threats. Discuss the long-term consequences of impulsive actions on social media. Set guidelines: Establish clear rules about online behavior, especially on social media, gaming platforms, and group chats.

7. Reassure and Support - Acknowledge their concerns. Some kids may worry about their own safety in light of recent events. Provide reassurance that Cleveland ISD takes measures to protect students and staff. Offer support. Let them know they can come to you with any concerns or questions, no matter how small they seem.

By addressing these points, you can guide your child in understanding the gravity of making threats and foster a sense of responsibility for their words and actions.