Better Mental Health Can Reduce Gun Violence in Schools. Do We Have the Will to Promote It? Part 2 (Ep. 31)

Sep 11

Episode Notes

One day after interviewing clinical psychologist Hayley Watson for Part 1 of this two-part series about the need for better mental health support in schools, Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia walked onto campus with a military-style rifle and killed two other students and two math teachers. He also injured at least 8 others before he was taken into custody.

According to the shooter’s aunt Annie Brown, had been “begging for help from everyone around him.” Colt’s father, who has now been charged with several serious crimes, said that his son was “getting picked on at school,” and that other students “just ridiculed him day after day after day.”

Key takeaways from my conversation with Dr. Watson:

The need to understand the shooter's perspective and the factors that may have contributed to his actions, rather than simply labeling him as "evil."

The lack of adequate mental health resources and support for students who are struggling, and the importance of preventative measures such as teaching coping skills and promoting social-emotional learning.
The trauma experienced (not just in Georgia but across the country) by the entire school community, including students, teachers, and families, and the need to provide spaces for processing and healing.
The importance of ongoing conversations and emotional support, rather than focusing exclusively on security measures or avoiding the issue altogether.

Featured Guests:

Dr. Hayley Watson is a clinical psychologist, an expert in student mental health and school bullying. As CEO of Open Parachute, she has devoted over 15 years to creating and implementing well-being programs for schools. Through her work with school districts, governments, police departments, and corporations worldwide, Dr. Watson has developed a deep understanding of the challenges students, educators, and leaders face when it comes to mental health. Connect with Dr. Watson on LinkedIn.

Finding the Words: Empowering Struggling Students through Guided Conversations

Educators can’t always fix or change students’ challenging situations, but with Dr. Hayley Watson's Finding the Words, they can create compassionate, safe spaces to truly make a difference in student well-being. Educators are in a position to help students break out of cycles of anxiety, low mood, and peer struggles without needing to be a mental health expert. This book shows you how to support students with issues like parental loss, low body image, bullying, addiction, and more―with practical language that you can use anytime you are on the spot with a struggling student. This language helps one set boundaries to protect one’s own well-being by guiding your students toward self-reliance and resilience.

Learn more