A State of Emergency: The Emotional Warfare Affecting School Children

By: Dr. April J. Lisbon

Children today are faced with a lot of trials and tribulations that we as adults may not have experienced in our past. With the influence of technology and immediate feedback, children are bombarded with positive and negative influences that shape their young minds.

Let’s take school bullying for example. The rise of school bullying at the building level and in cyberspace is creating unrest in children so much so that children as young as 7 have committed suicide. Why is this happening? Why are our children in a state of emotional unrest?

The reality is that there is a spiritual war against the minds of our young people. In Ephesians 6:12 (NLT), it clearly states “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Our children’s minds are impressionable and without words of positive love and light filling their hearts, their minds are unclear of who they are and whose they are.

It is vital that our children hear that they are “….fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14).

We must take back our schools and create safe spaces for our children. We must be open and honest about the state of mental health in our society. We must advocate for our children today as they will be our future leaders of tomorrow. What good is it for our children to learn how to be great test takers if they are emotionally on shaky ground?

Take time today to connect with leaders within your school district to determine how you can use your voice to improve mental health services in schools. Connect with your local mental health organizations to see how you can lend your voice to creating change. Our children need you. They need to know that their lives matter and like them, our schools can no longer be in a state of emergency. With the blood of Jesus behind us, the war on our children is OVER!

Dr. April J. Lisbon is the Author of Unmasking the Trauma: School Bullying & Children with Special Needs and two other books. She is also a Family Life Coach and Empowerment Speaker who helps motivate and equip families of children with exceptional needs with knowledge on how to purposefully develop and practice self-care skills while passionately living a healthier lifestyle in their careers, relationships, and wellness. You can visit her website: www.advocacycoaching.com for more resources.