Lexington police and child psychologist urge families to prepare for hard conversations after Oregon elementary school shooting

Lexington police and a local child psychologist urged families to prepare for difficult conversations with children following a shooting at an Oregon elementary school that killed four people, including three children. The comments came as the community continues to process the tragedy and as schools and parents nationwide assess how to respond to children who may be anxious or confused by media coverage.

In Lexington, Sgt. Bige Towery and child psychologist Katherine Stone discussed how adults can approach the topic of school safety after such an event. They emphasized that conversations should not be delayed until children ask questions or until stress becomes visible, saying families benefit from having a plan in advance.

The shooting in Oregon was reported to have occurred at an elementary school, and the death toll includes three children and one additional victim. While Lexington officials were not describing any immediate threats in Kentucky, they used the national tragedy as a prompt for local preparedness and communication.

Police and mental health professionals focused on the importance of responding to children in an age-appropriate way and maintaining a calm tone when answering questions. Their message also reflected a broader need for parents and caregivers to recognize that children may react differently, including through increased worry, changes in behavior, or difficulty concentrating.

Lexington officials said families should pay attention to how children are consuming information, especially as news coverage can be graphic or repetitive. They also highlighted the role of trusted adults in providing reassurance and helping children understand what is being done to keep schools safe.

The police and psychologist remarks underscore how local institutions often translate national crises into practical steps for households, particularly when children may hear about the events at school, online, or through family discussions. For Lexington parents, the immediate takeaway is to be ready for conversations and to seek help when needed.

As the Oregon investigation continues, Lexington police and community mental health partners said they will encourage caregivers to stay engaged with their children and to lean on appropriate support resources if concerns grow. The next steps for families, officials said, are to focus on communication, observation, and follow-through in the days after a tragedy.

This week’s discussion also reflects ongoing attention to how public safety events affect children. By pairing law enforcement guidance with child-focused psychological experience, Lexington officials aimed to provide a channel for preparation that can be used regardless of where a child first hears the news.