Student Wellbeing Support

Tips for Discussing Traumatic Events

Children are affected by gun violence in our country even if they have not experienced a shooting on school grounds. For parents and caretakers of school-aged children, there may be uncertainty about how to have a conversation with a child about an incident of gun violence in a way that does not cause further trauma. Here are some helpful tips from Everytown on how to approach the conversation with a child.

Children absorb a lot of information from their surroundings and may know more about what is happening elsewhere than you think. To start a conversation, focus on finding out what they do know about school shootings or other violence in the news and how that makes them feel. This PBS News Hour's video includes more information on how to talk to children about gun violence.

Child Mind Institute has great resources on how to talk to your children about frightening news, how to talk to kids about school shootings, and how to help children exposed to community violence.

SAMHSA has a tip sheet available in English and Spanish:
- Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
- Sugerencias para hablar con niños y jóvenes y ayudarlos a hacer frente después de un desastre o un evento traumático

RI Pediatric Behavioral Health Crisis Services

Kids Link RI: 1-855-543-5465 to get help 24/7 for children and youth in need of mental health services. Free and confidential.
- Child Emotional Crisis PDF (english)
- Child Emotional Crisis PDF (spanish)
Tides Family Services Mobile Crisis Hotline: 401-615-9374 serving Rhode Island youth ages 2-21 and their families experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis (24/7 availability)
FSRI Children’s Mobile Crisis Hotline: 401-854-6678 for Rhode Island youth ages 2-21 experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis (24/7 availability)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime.

Rhode Island Behavioral Health Crisis Services

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for 24/7 confidential support for emotional distress, thoughts of suicide, or mental health crises. Trained counselors can help immediately.*
BH Link: Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Services: A walk-in, 24/7 community facility for Rhode Islanders 18+, connecting people to immediate crisis and long-term care services. Call 988 or visit BH Link in East Providence.
Butler Hospital Express Care: Urgent & walk-in behavioral health support from 9am-9pm Monday through Friday. Provides same-day, walk-in psychiatric assessment and stabilization for adults experiencing acute emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or trauma-related symptoms. No appointment required.

Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Resources

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) offers a range of resources to support student mental health, emotional wellbeing, and positive school experiences. These tools are available to help families, students, and educators access support, navigate important conversations, and strengthen overall wellbeing.

If your child or family could benefit from additional support, the following resources are available:

Hazel Health Virtual Mental Health Services
Rhode Island students have access to Hazel Health, which provides free, comprehensive virtual mental health support. Students can connect with licensed professionals for counseling and emotional support from home.
CLICK HERE

RIDE Student Wellbeing Resource Hub
RIDE has created a centralized landing page with guidance, tools, and support resources for students, families, and school communities. This page includes information on mental health supports, conversation guides, and additional services available across Rhode Island.
CLICK HERE

We encourage families to explore these supports and reach out whenever additional guidance or assistance is needed.