20 years after Columbine, a neighboring school in Colorado is now facing its own tragedy. Shootings at schools like Parkland and Sandy Hook also come to mind. 

But, how do you talk to your kids about such tragedy?

"Depending on the child's age, parents should talk to their kids about school shootings," said Eastside Counseling Services Clinical Social Worker and therapist Meghan Kresgy. 

Kresgy says for kids under 8-years-old, it's best not to say anything. 

"Children under that age have a hard time processing those types of events. So you don't want to create anxiety where it doesn't exist," said Kresgy.

Susan Boyle, a parent and Syracuse student safety advocate agrees. 

"You know we live in a time where childhood is almost under attack, where the kids are terrified,” said Boyle. “ And so if we can prevent and preserve some of the innocence of childhood I think we should.”

Boyle says she did discuss it at home, because her kids are older. With kids between late elementary and middle school, process your feelings first, then speak with them. 

"You want to keep your answers honest, but short and simple, sticking to a 1-2 sentence story such as, 'a very bad thing happened' and a person having bad thoughts and feelings hurt people," said Kresgy.

"Kids are on social media," said Boyle. "They're exposed to a lot of news and are going to see it anyway and want to talk about it"

Because of that social feed and with access to the news, for older kids it’s safe to assume they already know. 

"Let them lead. And then focus on listening, which could be as simple as asking them what have you heard about the school shooting? Do you have any thoughts or feelings?" said Kresgy. 

But regardless of what you decide, if your child comes to you, be honest.

"We can’t say things like you don’t need to worry, there’s nothing to be scared of. And if you say things like that it may invalidate them and prevent them from coming to you in the future," said Boyle.