How Hearing About School Shootings Has Increased Teen Anxiety About Going to School and How Therapy Can Help

For many teens, school used to be a place to learn, grow, and connect with friends. But in today’s world, stories about school shootings dominate headlines and social media feeds. Even if a tragedy happens in another state, teens are instantly exposed to the details, videos, and conversations online. Understandably, this has created a rise in school-related anxiety.

The Impact on Teen Mental Health

Hearing about school shootings, even from afar, can shake a young person’s sense of safety. For many teens, this anxiety shows up in ways that affect their everyday lives, such as:

• Feeling nervous or panicked about going to school

• Trouble sleeping the night before school days

• Difficulty focusing in class because of “what if” thoughts

• Physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or racing heart

• Wanting to avoid school altogether

Adolescents are still developing their ability to regulate fear and assess risk, so repeated exposure to these tragic stories can heighten their vulnerability. Many begin imagining themselves in similar situations, which makes the fear feel very real even if the event happened far away.

The Role of Social Media

Teens today don’t just hear about tragedies, they see them in real time. Social media often circulates graphic details and ongoing commentary that can create a cycle of worry. Instead of being able to process one event and move forward, teens may feel like they are constantly reminded of danger, making it harder to regain a sense of security.

How Therapy Can Help Teens Cope

While the reality of school shootings is something we cannot erase, therapy provides teens with a safe, supportive space to work through their fears and rebuild confidence. Here are a few ways therapy can help:

Processing fears in a safe space

Talking openly about fears helps reduce the power of “what if” thoughts and gives teens a place to feel understood without judgment.

Learning coping strategies

Therapists can teach grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and tools to manage anxiety symptoms when they arise.

Challenging catastrophic thinking

Cognitive-behavioral approaches help teens reframe anxious thoughts and regain perspective.

Building resilience

Therapy can help teens strengthen their coping skills so they feel more equipped to handle uncertainty in the world.

Supporting parents too

Family sessions can guide parents on how to talk with their teen about fears, set healthy limits around the media, and create a sense of safety at home.

Moving Toward Hope

It’s heartbreaking that many young people carry these worries when walking into school. But anxiety does not have to define their experience. With the right support, teens can learn to manage their fears, regain confidence, and feel more grounded in their daily lives.

If your teen is struggling with school-related anxiety, therapy can provide the support and tools they need to feel safer and more in control. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.