Talking to Children After Scary News: Supporting Kids After the Recent School Shooting

Posted: February 11, 2026

Many parents in our community are feeling shaken after the recent shooting at Thomas S. Wootton High School. Events like this can affect not only students at that school, but children across the area who hear about it from friends, social media, or adults.

According to local authorities, a student was injured in a shooting inside the school, and another student was taken into custody; officials reported there was no ongoing threat to public safety, but the emotional impact on students and families is significant.

When frightening events happen close to home, it’s normal for children and parents to feel anxious, sad, or unsettled.

Below are some ways to support your child.

1. Start by Listening

Children often have questions, but they may not know how to ask them.

You might say:

“Have you heard anything about what happened?”
“How are you feeling about it?”

Let your child talk at their own pace. Some children want to discuss it; others may prefer reassurance and move on.

2. Give Honest but Simple Information

Children do best with clear, age-appropriate facts.

For younger children:

Keep explanations brief.
Focus on safety and reassurance.

For older children and teens:

They may want more details, but it helps to keep the conversation grounded and calm.

Avoid graphic details and limit exposure to news coverage, which can increase anxiety.

3. Reassure Them About Safety

Children often worry: Could this happen at my school?

Helpful messages:

Schools have safety plans and staff who practice emergency procedures.
Many adults are working together to keep students safe.
Your child can always come to you with worries.

Reassurance does not mean pretending nothing bad ever happens, it means helping children feel supported and protected.

4. Watch for Signs of Stress

After frightening events, children may:

Have trouble sleeping
Become more clingy or irritable
Ask repeated questions
Complain of headaches or stomachaches

These are common stress reactions and usually improve with time and support.

If symptoms last more than a few weeks or interfere with daily life, it may help to speak with a therapist.

5. Keep Routines Steady

Predictable routines help children feel secure. Try to keep regular schedules for school, meals, and bedtime as much as possible.

Normal activities such as sports, play, and time with friends can help restore a sense of safety and normalcy

6. Take Care of Yourself Too

Children take emotional cues from the adults around them. It’s okay for parents to feel upset or worried, but try to manage news intake and find ways to regulate your own stress.

Calm, grounded adults help children feel safe.

Moments like these remind us how deeply we care about our children and our community. Talking openly, listening with empathy, and providing reassurance can help children process difficult events in healthy ways.

If your child is struggling or you would like guidance on how to talk with them, reaching out to a mental health professional can help.

Events like this affect all of us, not just the students and families directly involved, but the entire community. It’s natural for children and parents alike to feel unsettled, and sometimes it helps to talk with someone outside the family who can listen and offer guidance.

At Bethesda Counseling Services, many of us are parents and community members ourselves, and we understand how close to home events like this can feel. Whether your child needs support, or you simply want advice on how to talk about difficult topics, we are here to help.

If you have questions or would like to connect, our team is always available to talk and help you think through next steps.