School Violence—The Virginia Tech Tragedy
Safe schools are essential to young people’s ability to learn and develop healthy relationships. The tragic shootings on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (4/16/07) have raised many questions, including issues related to school violence and mental illness. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center (NYVPRC) staff can offer assistance with locating resource materials and information sharing related to strategies used by schools, health professionals, and communities.
The following past NYVPRC features provide resources to help health professionals and schools constructively respond to recent violence, gain awareness, and take action to promote school safety in the future.
School-Associated Violent Deaths
School shootings are sobering and tragic events that cause much concern about the safety of children. To learn how these events may be prevented, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to develop and share new resources to help communities prevent youth violence.
School Violence: Tips for Coping With Stress
Despite these events, schools remain a very safe place for children to spend their days. CDC has assembled a collection of resources on violence prevention to help parents, students, and school personnel cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event.
Understanding Mental Illness—After the Virginia Tech Tragedy
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers various materials about mental illness and violence.
School Violence Prevention Resources
The nation has been shocked by several instances of school violence. These tragedies underscore the need for schools to develop and invest in prevention, intervention, and crisis response plans. NYVPRC staff have compiled a list of helpful resources.