The Toll Gun Violence Takes on Learning

Gun violence in the modern U.S. is so prevalent that, as reported by CBS News in this article, there were 26 mass shootings (defined as a shooting in which four or more persons are injured or killed) in the first five days of July 2023 alone. 

The toll that this constant threat of violence is taking on the mental health and functioning of young people is significant. Franci Crepeau-Hobson, PhD, associate professor and director of clinical training at the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Education and Human Development, notes in this APA.org article that research indicates prolonged heightened anxiety can impede executive functioning such as learning, attention, and memory. She said, "When threat perceptions are escalated and stress responses are activated, we can't access the higher parts of our brain." 

A student may or may not identify that anxiety over potential threats is affecting their ability to function in their coursework. Coaches can ask questions like the following that help students look more carefully at worries that may be getting in the way of learning, and give them opportunity to clarify what they are able to control:

• What concerns come to your mind when you are distracted while trying to learn?

• How can you compartmentalize worries so that you can set them aside before focusing your energy on an assignment?

• How safe do you feel at school? If you do not feel safe enough and this is affecting your learning, what can you to do to increase your sense of comfort? Who can help you feel more safe?

• What actions can you take that help you feel that you are making a difference toward improving safety and reducing violence?

• Right now, what do you have control over, and how can you improve it with action?

Help students take steps in the direction of control in the face of threat by becoming a more skilled coach.

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