Website of the UK government

Children’s reactions to trauma

Just like adults, children react to death and trauma in different ways at different times. Psychologists have identified wide ranging behaviours that can be seen in infants and children under stress:

• sleep problems
• irritability
• reverting to immature behaviour
• changes in relationships with parents, brothers, sisters and peers
• preoccupation with the trauma
• reduced school performance
• overactive behaviour
• exaggerated reactions to small crises

What may be helpful

There are a number of things that parents, carers and schools can do to help young people deal with the after effects of a major incident:

• tell children what has happened, giving them the facts (but without unnecessary detail), as this helps prevent their imagination taking over
• reassure them about the future and encourage them to express emotions and to play, laugh and explore even though you may not feel like it
• maintain routine and familiarity to help them sense that life is secure and predictable - attending school can help with this
• re-involve the child in chores and responsibilities as soon as they are ready to cope with them again

You could also check the RD4U website, which has been designed for young people coping with a bereavement.

• RD4U Opens new window
• Child Bereavement Trust Opens new window

Your reactions

It is worth remembering that as a parent, carer or teacher your reactions to a crisis can strongly influence a child’s response to it. It is therefore important that you ensure that you take some time to care for your own emotional well-being. Speak to your GP if you are having difficulty coping. The Cruse Bereavement Care site has further information.

• Cruse Bereavement Care Opens new window

Help and support organisations

It is very important that you contact your GP for assistance if you feel that your child may need support.

The following websites and agencies also offer support to young people and their parents or carers:

Coping with trauma

The link below has some practical advice for children on how to cope with trauma - it's produced by the UCL (University College London) Institute of Child Health and includes a leaflet to print off.

• Coping with trauma - UCL Institute of Child Health Opens new window

The Traumatic Stress Clinic

The clinic specialises in working with children, young people up to the age of 18 and their families who are survivors of traumatic events. This can include things like road traffic accidents, being attacked or bullied, violence or disasters.

• The Traumatic Stress Clinic Opens new window

Supporting children after a frightening event

This PDF leaflet helps parents and carers understand how children and young people might react to frightening events and what can be done to help.

• Supporting children after a frightening event Opens new window
• Help with PDF files

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

This American network was established to improve access to care, treatment, and services for traumatised children and young people exposed to traumatic events.

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network Opens new window

Samaritans

Samaritans provides a 24 hour service offering confidential emotional support to anyone in crisis.

• Samaritans