Delhi schools bomb threat: How to prepare your kid for such emergencies

Several schools in Delhi NCR received bomb threats in the morning hours of Wednesday. The schools received the threats over emails. As per reports, the schools that got the bomb threats were: Delhi Public School, Dwarka; Mother Mary School, Mayur Vihar; Sanskriti School; Amity International School, Saket and Amity International School, Noida.
While Delhi Police is already conducting a thorough search of the school premises, all the schools have been evacuated.

Other schools have also closed for today and students are being taken back home.
While schools must be appreciated for taking swift steps to make arrangements to send students safely back to their homes, at the same time it is the collective duty of the school staff and the parents to make sure the kids do not panic during this crisis.
Start with open communication. Do not make it seem like something they should not be knowing. Suppressing the flow of information will scare the kids. Initiate age-appropriate conversations about safety and emergencies. Explain that sometimes dangerous situations can happen, but there are ways to stay safe. Emphasize that you're there to protect them and that it's okay to feel scared or confused.

Encourage kids to be observant of their surroundings. Teach them to recognize suspicious objects or behaviors, such as unattended bags or people acting strangely. Explain that reporting anything unusual to a trusted adult, like a teacher or security guard, can help keep everyone safe.
Teach your child to follow instructions from trusted adults during emergencies. Explain that teachers, police officers, and others are there to keep them safe. Practice listening skills at home to reinforce the importance of following directions. Provide information about bomb threats in a way that's truthful yet age-appropriate. Explain that a

bomb threat

is when someone threatens to explode a bomb in a public place, but reassure them that such events are rare. Focus on empowering them with knowledge and strategies for staying safe rather than instilling fear.
Teach kids techniques for managing fear and anxiety during stressful situations. Breathing exercises, visualization, or repeating calming phrases can help them stay composed and focused. Practice these techniques together so they become familiar and instinctive.
Ask kids about how they feel about it. Let them know that it's normal to feel scared or anxious about emergencies. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and validate their emotions without dismissing them. Reassure them that you're there to support and comfort them no matter what. Reassure them that they are loved and that you're doing everything you can to keep them safe. Remind them of the safety measures in place at home, school, and other places they frequent. Encourage them to ask questions and address any concerns they may have.
Schools should create a plan that outlines what to do in case of a bomb threat or any other emergency and should practice the plan regularly through drills or simulations to reinforce preparedness without causing unnecessary fear. Shield kids from graphic or distressing news coverage of bomb threats or other emergencies. Monitor their media consumption and provide context or clarification if they come across alarming information. Focus on promoting a sense of safety and security rather than dwelling on worst-case scenarios.
If your child shows signs of prolonged distress or anxiety related to emergencies, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can provide coping strategies and resources tailored to your child's needs.