Responding to Mass Shootings - The Teen's Perspective

This past weekend, our community was hit by an incredible tragedy. Allen, Texas is in Beacon of Light’s backyard. The mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets that took place on Saturday, May 6 and took the lives of 9, leaving several others critically injured will continue to leave ripples throughout this area. Local schools looked like ghost towns on Monday as many chose to stay home due to safety threats. Those who did attend school were met with heightened security and police presence at their school among the eerily quiet hallways and classrooms. As adults, we feel we have the right to speak out, to express our feelings and call for change. But, when it comes to the kids, specifically the teenagers, do we listen as intently to their concerns and ideas, or do we discount them because of their age?

Teenagers report feeling minimized, unheard, not taken seriously and undermined. Yet, they are often the ones that are most impacted by these mass shootings. One thing I have learned is that teenagers know a lot more than we give them credit for, understand first-hand the ins and outs of mental wellness, are daily exposed to tough situations, big emotions, and frightening circumstances, and have valid ideas on how to care for others as well as how others can care for them. They deserve our listening ears, our collaboration, and our respect. They just might be the key to lasting change. The following comments come directly from the mouth of a teenager whom I know well. These comments provide us adults with much needed insight into how these mass shootings impact teenagers and highlight what teens need in the wake of tragedy.

How are teenagers affected by the trauma of mass shootings even if they were not directly exposed?

• Kids are scared to go to school, not knowing if we will still be alive at the end of the day or if we will witness one of our classmates or friends being shot.
• Teenagers hear adults say “thoughts and prayers” but are frustrated when no action is taken.
• Teenagers get caught up in the sensationalism of images and stories on social media and pass these images around, often to those who cannot handle seeing them.
• Teens feel that mass shootings mostly happen in schools or in places where you will find teenagers more often, but do not feel protected.
• The teenage years are difficult enough on emotions and now we worry about seeing our classmates and friends dead right next to us.
• Many teens cope by making jokes, and it can offend a lot of people.
• Teenagers often take on the emotions of their peers. If a teen’s friend was greatly impacted after an event, it may start to affect those around them as well.
• Teens will also start to skip school and lose interest in things they like in response to the trauma they have experienced.

What do teenagers need in order to process and heal after a mass shooting?

• We need more reassurance and safety at school after something like this happens.
• Teens need mental health support at school and beyond because it is traumatic seeing something like a mass shooting happen in your backyard.
• Adults see us as immature or think we don’t know what we’re talking about, but we need adults to listen to us on how action can be taken to save our lives. 
• Teens do need to be made aware of what they should and shouldn’t say to their peers after something like this happens.
• Teenagers need to be allowed to process what happened on their own time and to be guided to support when ready, but not pushed into talking about things before they are able.

Tragedy impacts everyone differently. There is no one correct way to respond, grieve or process. One thing I do know is that people of all ages have varying emotions about the event and thoughts on what should and should not be done. It’s important to listen to all, without discounting someone because of their age. Sometimes our children and teenagers just might be the most insightful and informed while still in need of protection and respect from the adults in their lives. I have had the pleasure of meeting many teens and having enlightening discussions about mental health. One thing I will say is that I have a lot of hope for our future. We are surrounded by remarkable young people who are not afraid to speak, support others, and take action. Thank you, young people. Your future is bright!