Incidents like the shooting in California happen too often in schools across the country. And as much as we'd like to think differently, Utah schools are no different.
In fact, child psychologists will tell you there are angry kids who could become violent in your school right now.
You might be surprised to know just how young some of those children are.
Douglas Goldsmith Ph.D/ The Children's Center: "WE'VE SEEN 3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS WHO ARE BEING EXPELLED FROM PRESCHOOL NOT ONLY ONCE, BUT TWICE, THREE TIMES FOR SERIOUS BOUTS OF AGGRESSION. FOR EXTREME LEVELS OF DESTRUCTION, FOR THROWING THINGS AT TEACHERS. TEACHERS FRIGHTENED TO COME TO WORK BECAUSE OF THIS 3- OR 4-YEAR OLD CHILD. THAT REALLY NEEDS TO BE A WAKE UP CALL TO PEOPLE OF HOW INTENSE IT CAN BE OUT THERE IN THE ENVIRONMENT."
Psychologists say just because it hasn't happened here yet doesn't mean it won't, so parents need to be extra sensitive and really listen to what their children are saying.
Here are some tips for parents.
- Listen to your kids
- Show zero tolerance for violent talk
- Go to authorities if peer talks about violence
- "Just joking" is not acceptable
- Talk to school counselor/other professional
