How to recognise symptoms of PTSD

Warning: Please note – some images and content may be upsetting or disturbing. This film is not intended to be watched by children

Traumatic experiences are more common in childhood than many people realise. After a frightening or distressing event, most children will feel shaken — but with family support, they usually recover well.

For some children, though, the effects don't fade. Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance and emotional withdrawal can all be signs that a child has developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because children rarely talk directly about what they're going through, these symptoms are often missed or misread as something else entirely.

This short film helps parents and carers understand what PTSD looks like in children — how it differs from ordinary distress, what to watch for at different ages, and when it's time to seek professional support. Early recognition makes a real difference.