Suggestions for
Secondary School Teachers
in Dealing with
Children During Times of War

• Limit exposure to TV with graphic images. Do not have the TV on in the background in the classroom.
   
• Reassure students and help them feel secure. Let them know that school is safe place to be. The adults at school care about them and know what to do to keep school safe.
   
• Maintain a normal routine at school. Structure and familiarity reassure students.
   
• Be a role model. Students pick up clues from adults, especially when they have difficulty knowing what to do with their own emotions like fear and anger. Staying calm yourself can provide a sense of security for your students.
   
• Create an open and supportive environment where students know that they can ask questions.
   
• Teachers should be knowledgeable and objective in their answers, presenting multiple viewpoints. It is important not to provoke emotions.
   
• Monitor student behavior for signs of fear/anxiety. If a student is having trouble coping, seek assistance from your school counselor.
   
• Monitor your own level and reaction to the stress you are experiencing. Teaching is a high stress job under the best of circumstances. Dealing with your own stress and your student's reactions over an extended period of time can easily feel overwhelming. Recognizing this fact, taking care of yourself, and seeking support as needed is important. (Symptoms)
   
• Involve students in a positive response- canned food drive, raising money for the Red Cross, etc. School projects like these can help students feel empowered rather than helpless.
   
• Take positive measures for promoting tolerance. (Tolerance)

Also see Guidelines for Talking with Middle/High School Students About the Possibility of War (For Teachers)

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