Supporting Students During Politically Charged Times

Major political events—whether elections, court decisions, or significant legislative actions—often generate strong emotions throughout communities. While adults may have the experience and context to process these events, children and adolescents frequently look to the trusted adults in their lives for guidance, reassurance, and stability.

According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), schools and families play an important role in helping students feel safe, respected, and supported during periods of political tension. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations altogether, educators and caregivers can help young people learn how to navigate differing viewpoints with empathy, respect, and emotional resilience.

Recognize That Students May Respond Differently

Not every student experiences political events in the same way. Some may feel hopeful or excited, while others may experience anxiety, fear, frustration, or uncertainty. Students who feel personally connected to an issue or who belong to historically marginalized communities may be especially affected.

The first step is acknowledging that a wide range of emotional responses is normal. Creating a supportive environment where students feel heard—without making assumptions about how they should feel—can help foster psychological safety.

Model Respectful Communication

Children often learn how to respond to conflict by observing the adults around them.

NASP encourages parents and educators to model respectful conversations, demonstrate healthy ways to express opinions, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric. Adults should also be mindful of media consumption and recognize that constant exposure to emotionally charged news coverage can increase stress for both children and adults.

Teaching students that people can disagree respectfully is an important life skill that extends well beyond politics.

Help Students Manage Strong Emotions

Political events can bring out a range of emotions, including stress, anger, disappointment, excitement, or confusion.

Educators and caregivers can support students by:

• Encouraging open, age-appropriate conversations.

• Helping children identify and express their emotions in healthy ways.

• Maintaining familiar routines whenever possible.

• Watching for signs of significant distress, such as changes in behavior, appetite, sleep, or academic performance.

• Seeking support from school mental health professionals when needed.

Providing consistency and reassurance can help students regain a sense of stability during uncertain times.

Foster a School Climate Built on Respect

Schools play a unique role in helping students learn how to engage with people who hold different perspectives.

NASP emphasizes that respectful dialogue should always be encouraged, while harassment, bullying, prejudice, and personal attacks must be addressed immediately. Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel physically and emotionally safe, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Educators can reinforce this by encouraging curiosity over judgment, emphasizing shared values, and reminding students that respectful disagreement is a healthy part of civic life.

The Importance of Positive Adult Relationships

One of the strongest protective factors for children is having trusted adults they can turn to.

Schools that cultivate positive relationships between students and staff create environments where students are more likely to ask for help, express concerns, and feel connected—even during periods of heightened tension. Likewise, supporting educator well-being is essential, as teachers and school staff are often helping students manage emotions while processing their own.

Helping Students Build Lifelong Skills

Political events will continue to shape our communities throughout students' lives. By helping young people communicate respectfully, regulate their emotions, appreciate differing perspectives, and seek support when needed, schools and families are teaching skills that extend far beyond any single event.

Creating a culture of empathy, respect, and open communication not only supports students during politically charged moments—it helps prepare them to become thoughtful, respectful, and engaged members of their communities.

References

National Association of School Psychologists. (2024). Supporting Students Amid Political Events: Tips for Families and Educators [Handout]. National Association of School Psychologists.