Navigating Fear and Building Hope: The Impact of Gun Violence on Schools and How We Can Stay Safe Together

The aftershock of the recent school shooting in Georgia was deeply felt across the country, but for our Eagle County students and families, the fear was intensified by recent local threats. On Monday, students and parents were left in a state of panic following a nationwide swatting incident that spread from Sunday evening into the school day. This incident was followed closely by a second, more specific threat, targeting our local students. While both threats were determined to be unfounded, the fear they caused was very real. For students, parents, educators, and community members, navigating these moments of terror—whether real or contrived—creates a sense of instability, and for many, it leaves a lingering question: what do we do?

Addressing the Fear: What Can We Do?

1. Acknowledge the Fear, but Don’t Let It Overwhelm You: It is important to recognize that the fear experienced during these incidents is valid. When threats—real or false—emerge, it disrupts the sense of security that schools are meant to provide. However, while acknowledging fear is important, we must not let it overwhelm us. Schools, law enforcement, and local authorities are working to investigate these threats and protect our children, but living in constant fear impedes the ability to focus, learn, and thrive. 
2. Education on Swatting and Threats: Understanding what swatting is and how threats are handled can provide some reassurance. Swatting is a dangerous and illegal act that leads to wasted resources and unnecessary alarm. It’s crucial to educate students, parents, and staff about how to recognize and respond to suspicious activity without jumping to conclusions. Knowing that authorities take each threat seriously, investigate it fully, and provide timely updates can help quell some of the anxiety that follows these incidents.
3. Report Concerns, Even When Uncertain: Even in a world where some threats turn out to be hoaxes, reporting anything suspicious remains critical. If students notice alarming behavior, hear concerning comments, see upsetting social media posts, or sense that something is wrong, they should always feel empowered to report it. It is better to raise a false alarm than to stay silent in the face of a real threat. While it is natural to fear that raising concerns could cause unnecessary worry, it is also important to remember that speaking up can prevent harm.
4. Support Each Other: After these incidents, emotions run high. Students may feel anxious or unsure about how to move forward. Parents might feel helpless, worrying about their children’s safety. In these moments, community support is more important than ever. Encourage open conversations with your children and peers about how they’re feeling. Teachers, counselors, and administrators can also play a vital role in providing emotional support and reminding students that they are not alone. Checking in on friends and classmates can provide comfort, and helping someone feel seen can alleviate some of the isolation that fear brings. Don’t forget to use your community resources. Vail Health Behavioral Health, Speak Up Reach Out, Your Hope Center, and so many other local non-profits offer support for our school-aged children and families.
5. Practice Safety Without Losing Hope: Safety measures like lockdown drills, security protocols, and communication are all part of creating a safer school environment. However, it’s important not to let these precautions foster a culture of fear. Students should feel safe knowing that the adults around them are prepared for emergencies while still being able to enjoy their school experiences. Maintaining a balance between vigilance and normalcy is key—school should remain a place for learning, growth, and friendship.

While the recent threats turned out to be unfounded, the fear and confusion they created are lasting. The question of “What do we do?” in the wake of these incidents has no easy answer. We remain vigilant, and we report concerns, but we also continue to live, learn, and connect. The most powerful thing we can do is stay connected and stay informed. By addressing fear, reporting concerns, and standing by each other, we move closer to a culture of resilience, no matter what challenges we face.