“Fear is a detrimental distraction, especially in the minds of young children whose ever-evolving brains are the most vulnerable.”
– Carew Papritz
School Violence Anxiety
Back-to-school has a new meaning for teachers and students in America. What was once an exciting new beginning for learning and adventure, now is a time of ambient, worsening anxiety for mass shootings and gun violence.
According to The Washington Post‘s database of gun violence, more than 228,000 K-12 students have experienced gun violence at school since the Columbine High shootings in 1999.
Instead of emails for an upcoming sporting event or art show, teachers are receiving offerings for active-shooter training courses.
“Fear is a detrimental distraction, especially in the minds of young children whose ever-evolving brains are the most vulnerable…”
…says Carew Papritz, inspirational thought-leader and literacy advocate who wrote the award-winning book The Legacy Letters. Being a father of a 12-year-old, Papritz has seen first-hand the effects these mass shootings have had on students and parents in his school.
A parent’s anxiety fuels or otherwise reinforces his or her kid’s own fears. It’s difficult for parents and teachers to project confidence if they don’t feel it themselves but managing fear is a crucial aspect of supporting children in a stressful environment.
This state of anxiety can be damaging to a child’s education and happiness. One of Carew’s suggestions is to limit digital distractions, especially inside schools.
According to Papritz, parents and teachers need to stay engaged and refocus when it comes to the education and well-being of children. We need to instill in our kids and students their home and school is a safe place for them to unpack their worries. Schools can implement procedures which maintain the normalcy of operations as much as possible and reduce anxiety while also keeping parents in the loop without causing unnecessary panic.
In An Interview/Article, Papritz Can Share:
- How parents can instill confidence in their children and students this school year.
- Why digital distractions may raise anxiety levels.
- How to manage fear and support children in a stressful environment.
PAPRITZ IS ON A MISSION TO HELP CHILDREN AND PARENTS COPE WITH “SCHOOL VIOLENCE ANXIETY.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & SPEAKER
Carew Papritz
Carew Papritz, also known as The Cowboy Philosopher, is the author of the multi-award winning book The Legacy Letters. Though fictional, The Legacy Letters has won acclaim as a life lessons book for all generations, gaining the distinction of being the only book in publishing history to win awards in both fiction and non-fiction categories. A Renaissance Man in an age that lauds the specialist, The Huffington Post says Papritz “intrigues and enlightens, charms and catalyzes change for every reader.
As part of his many innovative and adventurous first-ever book signings, Carew truly lives his book’s central message to “live life to the fullest” while signing books on top of volcanoes and horses. These events and other YouTube videos, such as the “I Love to Read” series and his annual literacy-driven charity event, “The Great Book Balloon Launch,” inspire kids and adults to rediscover the joy of reading! Proceeds of the summer’s sales of The Legacy Letters went to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Proceeds from his recent “First-Ever Book Signing while Stomping Grapes” went to the Seattle Children’s Hospital. Other charities include Reading is Fundamental and the Military Mama’s Network. Find his videos here.