School psychologists play a key role in crisis response in schools. Advance planning and crisisteam training are critical, as are establishing first steps to supporting physical and psychologicalsafety.

Grief can result from many types of loss (e.g., death, divorce, transitions). How childrengrieve can be influenced by age, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, mental health,disabilities, and other factors.

While an armed assailant on school property is very rare, schools are increasingly being required to consider how to best prepare for and respond to these events.

Behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) is a multidisciplinary, fact-based, systematic process designed to identify, assess, and distinguish between incidents where a student has no intent to cause harm and incidents in which the student does pose an actual threat of targeted violence. The systematic and proper implementation of BTAM helps avoid impulsive and potentially harmful decisions that can lead to unnecessary suspension and expulsion or referrals to the juvenile justice system.

Cyberbullying is a serious form of bullying that can negatively affect children and adolescents. This Guidance at a Glance explains what cyberbullying is and how adults can help by taking preventive action and intervening when it occurs.

Educator and caregiver exhaustion and chronic stress can significantly increase when pervasive societal stressors occur concurrently. School leaders must actively strive to builda culture that encourages school personnel to prioritize personal well-being.

At some point, we all face difficulties. Being resilient is important to dealing successfully with life’s challenges. This document offers tips for supporting resilience.

At some point, we all face difficulties. Being resilient is important to dealing successfully with life’s challenges. This document offers tips for supporting resilience.

High profile tragedies, such as acts of mass violence or natural disasters, are frightening and upsetting. Adults can help children understand what is happening factually, how events do or do not impact their lives, and how to cope with their reactions.

Natural disasters can be especially traumatic for children and youth. This resource lists the issues associatedwith specific disasters, provides information for both families and schools immediately following a naturaldisaster, and shares suggestions to help children adjust to relocation.

Lockdowns can save lives and are considered best practice in crisis response. However, they can produce anxiety, stress, and traumatic reactions in students or staff if not conducted appropriately. Following best practices and attending to the psychological well-being of students and staff can help minimize the potential for unintended harm.

Youth suicide is a serious problem but is preventable. Use this infographic to share with teens on how to help a friend in need.

Youth suicide is a serious problem but is preventable. Use this infographic to share with teens on how to help a friend in need.

Viral challenges and misinformation are often shared on social media sites. Not all challenges or misinformation are shared with malicious intent, but some do have harmful effects. General discussions about the dangers and appropriate usage of the internet and social media could be helpful for preventing students from engaging in dangerous or risky behavior.

Parents, family members, and caregivers can encourage mental wellness and promote social,emotional, and academic success. Good mental health is not simply the absence of illness, but alsoincludes skills necessary to cope with life’s challenges.

Educators can encourage mental wellness and promote social, emotional, and academic success.Good mental health is not simply the absence of illness, but also includes skills necessary to copewith life’s challenges.

Social–emotional learning (SEL) “is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”

Families and school personnel play a critical role in helping to reestablish a senseof normalcy and security for children after an act of violence occurs.

Schools increasingly use social media to communicate essential information regarding crisis events. Parents and community members can easily receive real time alerts or notifications to get factual updates and helpful support.