Boys Town Shares Guidance for Parents Helping Children Cope After Tragic School Shooting
BOYS TOWN, Neb. (Aug. 27, 2025) — In response to today’s shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis that killed two children and injured 17 others during a school Mass, Boys Town is sharing practical advice to help families talk with and support their children.
“Through all of this, parents should be vigilant and watchful, keeping their eyes and ears open for signals of deeper problems,” said Dr. Connie Schnoes, Director of the Boys Town Behavioral Health Clinic. “These might include changes in eating or sleeping habits or not being able to return to normal activities. If parents notice these or other red flags continuing two weeks or longer after the event, they should seek professional help.”
What Parents Can Do Right Now
- Normalize feelings. Let kids know it’s common to feel upset, sad, confused, or afraid after disturbing news. Give them space to share in their own time.
- Invite — don’t force — conversation. Be available to talk and listen; answer questions honestly with age-appropriate detail.
- Reassure about safety and routines. Explain the safety steps schools and families take; keeping normal routines helps restore a sense of control.
- Limit repeated exposure. Turn off looping news and graphic content; young children often process images as “new” each time.
- Model calm. Kids look to adults for cues; regulate your own emotions and use a steady tone.
- Practice coping skills. Deep-breathing, movement, journaling, prayer, and time with supportive friends all help many children.
- Keep monitoring. Watch for changes in sleep, appetite, mood, school avoidance, nightmares, or physical complaints; seek help if concerns persist for two weeks or more.
For additional parent tips from Boys Town experts on supporting children during crises, see “In a Crisis, Parents Must Be There, Be Aware for Their Children.” On Boys Town Parenting.
Where Families Can Get Help 24/7
- Boys Town National Hotline: 800-448-3000
- Text: VOICE to 20121 (for preteens, teens, and young adults)
- YourLifeYourVoice.org (chat, email, coping tools, and the app)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate, confidential support.
“In the aftermath of a traumatic event, kids don’t need perfect words from adults—they need presence, reassurance, and a simple plan” said Dr. Schnoes. To arrange an interview with Dr. Schnoes or another Boys Town expert on talking with children after violence, recognizing red flags, and practical steps schools and families can take, please contact Jordan Weinandt at 531-355-1273 or Jordan.Weinandt@Boystown.org.
About Boys Town:
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of resources and services. In 2024, more than 4 million children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.
