Parents may be searching for ways to help their children cope with the Michigan State University shooting, which killed three and injured five before a gunman committed suicide.

Here are some resources that are available.

  • Common Ground. Helps community members in crisis. Call -1-800-231-1127; Or Text “Hello”; to chat with a crisis counselor.
  • Oakland County Crisis/Suicide Line. 1-800-231-1127
  • OK2SAY. Students can talk to a trusted adult if they see or hear something that doesn’t seem right. They can also report information anonymously using OK2SAY. Call 855-565-2729; text 652729; or email OK2SAY@mi.gov. For emergencies, dial 911.
  • The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) created tips for parents and teachers to talk to children about violence.
  •  Another NASP resource, Helping Children Cope with Terrorism-Tips for Families and educators, is available in multiple languages.
  • Common Sense Media suggests taking an age-based approach to discussing news of school shootings to help children feel safe again.
  •  Verywell Family offers tips on how to have a conversation with a child and/or teen about gun violence or school shootings can feel overwhelming and provides suggestions on how to handle these hard conversations.
  • The American Psychological Association offers tips on managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting.
  • The National Parent Helpline at 1-855-4 A PARENT (1-855-427-2736) offers emotional support from a trained advocate Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Talking to Children About the Shooting. 
  • Harvard Graduate School of Education. Coping with Community Crisis. 

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