Handling disclosures: Children and Trauma
Published: October 2020
Warning: Please note – some images and content may be upsetting or disturbing. This film is not intended to be watched by children
Read the transcript of the film: Transcript of Handling disclosures: Children and Trauma
Please note: This film was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to support teachers as students returned to school following lockdowns. While the pandemic is now behind us, the guidance Dr Trickey provides about recognizing trauma in children and responding to disclosures remains as relevant and valuable today as ever.Many teachers are understandably concerned about what their students may have experienced and how best to support them when trauma affects their wellbeing and ability to learn. Children face various potentially traumatic experiences - from bereavement and loss, to domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse, to other distressing events that can leave lasting impacts.
In this essential guide for educators, Dr David Trickey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist from the Anna Freud Centre and Co-Director of the UK Trauma Council, draws on over 20 years of experience working with traumatised children to help teachers recognize the signs of trauma and respond effectively.
Dr Trickey explains how trauma affects children's behaviour and learning - from heightened physiological arousal that makes it impossible to concentrate, to withdrawal and low mood that's easy to miss, to intrusive memories that dominate their attention even during lessons. He provides clear, practical guidance on what to do when a student discloses something concerning, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, listening carefully, and following proper safeguarding protocols.
This short film equips teachers with the knowledge and confidence to support traumatised students appropriately. While some children will adjust well with additional help, others will need more specialist support. Understanding the signs of trauma and knowing how to respond puts educators in an incredibly powerful position to make a real difference in these children's lives and their recovery.
