Many schools in Delhi NCR received bomb threats on Wednesday morning. Schools received the threats via email. According to reports, the schools that received bomb threats were: Delhi Public School, Dwarka; Virgin Mary School, Mayur Vihar; Sanskrit School; Amity International School, Saket and Amity International School, Noida.
All schools have been evacuated while Delhi Police is currently conducting a thorough search of the school premises. Other schools are also closed for the day and students are being taken back home.
While schools should be commended for taking swift action to make arrangements to send their students back home safely, it is also the shared duty of school staff and parents to ensure that children do not panic during this crisis.
Start with open communication. Don’t make it seem like it’s something they shouldn’t know. Blocking the flow of information will scare children. Initiate age-appropriate conversations about safety and emergencies. Explain that sometimes dangerous situations happen, but there are ways to stay safe. Emphasize that you are there to protect them and that it is okay to be scared or confused.
Encourage children to pay attention to their surroundings. Teach them to recognize suspicious objects or behavior, such as unattended bags or people acting strangely. Explain that reporting anything unusual to a trusted adult, such as a teacher or security guard, can help keep everyone safe.
Teach your child to follow the instructions of trusted adults in emergency situations. 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 is both accurate and age-appropriate. Explain the bomb threat It’s when someone threatens to detonate a bomb in a public place, but reassures them that such incidents are rare. Instead of instilling fear, focus on empowering them with knowledge and strategies to stay safe.
Teach children techniques to manage fear and anxiety in stressful situations. Breathing exercises, visualization, or repeating calming phrases can help them stay calm and focused. Practice these techniques together so they become familiar and instinctive.
Ask the children how they feel about this. Let them know that it is normal to be afraid or anxious in emergency situations. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and validate them without dismissing them. Reassure them that you are there to support and comfort them no matter what. Let them know that they are loved and that you are doing everything you can to keep them safe. Remind them of safety precautions 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 outlining what to do in the event of a bomb threat or other emergency and practice the plan regularly through drills or simulations to strengthen preparedness without causing unnecessary fear. Protect children from disturbing or distressing news about bomb threats or other emergencies. Monitor media consumption and provide context or explanation if they encounter alarming information. Instead of dwelling on worst-case scenarios, focus on improving a sense of safety and security.
If your child shows signs of prolonged distress or anxiety about emergencies, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can provide coping strategies and resources tailored to your child’s needs.