School safety is a top concern for every parent, especially in light of the recent string of fake threats that led to lockdowns across schools in New Mexico. These incidents, while not resulting in any real harm, have left many families anxious and searching for ways to talk to their children about school safety without instilling unnecessary fear.
In today’s world, school lockdown drills and the rare real lockdown are part of our children’s reality. Knowing how to approach the subject can make all the difference in helping your child feel safe, informed, and prepared while avoiding panic or anxiety. Here’s how you can have an open and reassuring conversation with your child about school lockdowns.
Acknowledge Their Feelings
The first step is to create a safe space for your child to express their feelings. They might be confused, anxious, or even scared after experiencing a lockdown or hearing about one. Ask open-ended questions, such as, “How do you feel when your school has a lockdown drill?” or “What do you know about why lockdowns happen?” This gives them the opportunity to voice their thoughts without feeling judged or pressured.
Keep the Information Age-Appropriate
When talking to your child about safety, it’s essential to match your explanation to their age and maturity level. For younger children, explain lockdowns in simple terms. You could say, “A lockdown is like when we practice safety at home. It’s a way for your school to make sure everyone stays safe, even when there’s no real danger.” For older children or teens, you can go into more detail, explaining that lockdowns are precautionary measures that schools use to protect students, staff, and teachers from any potential danger.
Explain that lockdown drills are just like fire drills—they help everyone know what to do in an emergency. Emphasize that being prepared is the best way to stay safe and that lockdowns are a way to practice, not something to be afraid of. Use positive language like “just in case” or “precaution” rather than focusing on the dangers.
Discuss Recent Events in Albuquerque
In New Mexico, several schools have experienced fake threats that resulted in lockdowns. While it’s natural for your child to hear about these events, it’s important to explain calmly that not every threat is real. Let them know that these recent incidents were false alarms, and while it’s always important to take precautions, there was never any actual danger.
For example, you might say, “You’ve probably heard about some of the schools that went into lockdown recently. In most of those cases, it was a false alarm, but the school still had to make sure everyone was safe. That’s why they did a lockdown—just in case.”
What to Do If Your Child Experiences A School Lockdown in Albuquerque
Knowledge is empowering. Go over the basic lockdown procedures with your child so they feel more confident. Let them know that listening to their teacher and staying calm are the most important things they can do. Reinforce that their school has a plan, and all they need to do is follow the instructions.
For example, tell them, “If you ever hear about a lockdown, stay calm and quiet. Your teacher knows what to do, and following their instructions will keep everyone safe.”
Reassure Them of Their Safety
Children need reassurance that their school is a safe place. Highlight the many safety measures their school already has in place, from locked doors to security systems and drills. Remind them that their teachers and school staff are there to protect them, and those lockdown drills are just another layer of security.
You could say, “Just like you practice crossing the street safely, schools practice lockdowns to make sure everyone knows what to do. Your school is one of the safest places you can be, and your teachers are looking out for you.”
Encourage your child to ask questions, and answer them honestly. The unknown can often be scarier than the reality, so by providing clear, straightforward answers, you help them process the situation better. If you don’t know the answer to a specific question, it’s okay to say, “That’s a good question. Let’s find out together.”
End on a Positive Note
After discussing safety and lockdowns, it’s important to wrap up the conversation with a positive message. Reassure your child that the goal of all these measures is to keep them safe and that they don’t need to worry about things beyond their control. Let them know they are loved and protected both at home and at school.
Consider saying, “I know these topics can feel a little scary, but remember, the reason we talk about them is so that we know how to stay safe. You are very safe, and your teachers and I will always be here to help you.”
Contact Women Against Crime Today!
School lockdowns are an unfortunate reality, but they don’t have to instill fear in the children you care about. By encouraging open, age-appropriate conversations, focusing on preparedness, and offering reassurance, we can help kids navigate these situations with greater confidence and less anxiety. As someone who cares deeply for their well-being, your role is to provide support and clarity, helping them understand safety without fear. Contact Women Against Crime Today where we can empower families and caregivers together!
