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On
911 |
There
are two very important reasons that those concerned with the well being of
children and youth should take note of the anniversary of the terrorist
attack on America September 11, 2001. This particular anniversary is used
because of its notoriety and on-going efforts to explain it. In broader
terms, the anniversary of any act of terrorism should be noted.
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Children
watching
it
live on TV. |
The
first aspect has to do with the reaction of the kids and those who
represent their authority figures. Many were traumatized by watching live
coverage in their classrooms as the buildings collapsed and crushed
thousands. Students were allowed to watch desperate people jump to their
death rather than be burned. The media has kept this event alive with daily
coverage of some aspect of it for a full year. As with any such event, some
have been affected far deeper than others. There is some debate as to the
presence of PTSD (Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder) in
non-related individuals. Regardless of the clinical diagnosis, this was a
traumatic event for millions and the observance of its anniversary will
likely cause some degree of stress reaction in many. Anniversaries are known
to trigger emotions. Teachers and counselors should be more observant of
their students as 9/11 approaches (see
handouts of signs available below).
However, they should also be careful not to trigger emotional responses by
signaling that they expect some students to experience problems. There has
been much public debate about what type of observances are appropriate.
Everything from parades to candle-light vigils have been proposed. Schools
are cautioned to keep any observance to a minimum. A moment of silence and
then a return to the normal routine may be the best choice. The intent of
terrorism is to disrupt daily life. The best way to defeat terrorists is to
maintain our daily activities. Lisa Beamer wife of one of the brave
men Todd Beamer on United Flight 93 said she
has no plans ... Sept. 11, the second day of preschool for (son) David.
"I know it's significant to others, but for me, every day is an
anniversary."
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The
bombing in Oklahoma City and the school shooting in Littleton,
Colorado are well known examples of anniversary attacks. |
The
second reason to note this and other key terrorism anniversaries is
the tendency for terrorists to celebrate these events by staging others. The
bombing in Oklahoma City and the school shooting in Littleton, Colorado are
well known examples of anniversary attacks. There are a variety of calendars
that list important anniversary dates. As 9/11 approaches or any of these
other infamous dates come around, schools should take extra precautions to
assess their threat of terrorist attack. An unfortunate choice of phrasing
has linked war and terrorism. Terrorism has very little to do with warfare.
War has a general goal of eliminating an enemies will to resist and the
attainment of a geographical or political position. Terrorism is almost
always born out of hate with a goal of inflicting pain and chaos on the
generalized target of that hatred. There may be stated political or
religious goals to the terrorists acts, but this is usually for public
consumption to advance recruiting and an attempt to legitimize their
actions. The bottom line is always pain and chaos to people who have no
direct involvement with the "cause" espoused by the terrorists.
Symbolism
is very important to terrorists. The World Trade Center and the Pentagon
were symbols of America. The people who died there were not connected with
any acts against the extremists who launched the attacks. Dates and
anniversaries are also symbols. Launching an attack, even one much reduced
in scope, will keep the original attack alive in minds and hearts of those
involved on both sides. Schools are symbols of America. With our education
laws, every young person in America under the age of 18 must be in a school
every weekday. At the entrance to every school is our national symbol, the
flag. These things make schools an excellent target (as demonstrated in
Israel a few weeks ago) for those who wish to strike terror into the hearts
of the most people with the least effort.
Schools
should not become fortresses, with fences and watchtowers, but must become
more diligent in assuring the safety and security our most precious resource
(see
handouts of signs available below).
Crisis
Plans
should emphasize prevention with controlled access, surveillance cameras and
policies that address assessing dangers internally and externally. Schools
can no longer rely on the luck of yesterday or the former isolation from the
rest of the world that America has enjoyed. This article is not intended to
alarm but to raise the level of awareness to the point of action. If your is
unsure of where it stands in being prepared for the threat of today, contact
Keys To Safer Schools.com to discuss your situation
Once again we ask ourselves, "Have we done all that
we can to insure the safety of our schools?" Keys To Safer Schools.com
is making a special offer to any school to review your crisis planning and
provide a written critique of any shortcomings found. To take advantage of
this offer, mail your school’s Crisis Plan and supporting documents to:
Keys To Safer Schools.com
P.O. Box 296
Bryant, AR 72089-0296.
Visit the Keys website for valuable information and
resource material on school violence prevention at http://keystosaferschools.com.
What Can you do?
Reported By:
Frank Green
Director
Keys To Safer Schools.com
If
you have any comments or questions please Email us at keys@keystosaferschools.com.
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(501)246-8835
