Trauma is a pervasive issue that affects millions of children, leading to a multitude of negative outcomes involving an child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Protective factors can be implemented in the school environmental to combat such long-lasting negative effects.
The Importance of Trauma Informed Practice in Schools
Trauma occurs when an individual is unable to cope with exposure to acute or chronic stress (American Orthopsychiatric Association, 2012). Trauma is a widespread problem that affects many individuals, resulting in detrimental effects on development. According to ACES Too High (2013), approximately 35 million children have been exposed to at least one type of trauma, and the Attorney General Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence (2012) estimated that in 2012 roughly 46 million children experienced some type of violence, abuse, psychological trauma, or witnessed a crime. Childhood trauma can have devastating lifelong effects on physiological and psychological wellbeing (American Orthopsychiatric Association, 2012), resulting in such negative effects as an increased propensity for obesity, drug abuse, and increased mental health diagnosis.
Through the adoption of trauma informed practices in schools, the public education sector has the ability to become a safe haven for children who have or are experiencing trauma (Trauma Sensitive Schools Org, 2015). As a result of children spending nearly a quarter of their life in school (Team Up for Kansas Kids, 2015), schools serve as a common denominator in the lives of many children who are exposed to traumatic life events and therefore can potentially intervene in the lives of these children on a daily basis.
The Facts
Detriments to Children Exposed to Trauma
- Physical Health – Childhood traumatic experiences have been associated with an increased risk of engaging in behaviors that may lead to negative health outcomes (smoking, unprotected sex, alcohol, drug abuse, etc.), are more likely to become a teen parent, and are at a higher risk of experiencing medical issues (obesity, gastrointestinal complaints, heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, etc.) (Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators, 2008).
- Brain Development – Children and Youth exposed to chronic trauma may experience changes in the growth pattern of their brain; areas of the brain associated with behavior and learning may also decrease in size (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2015). Chronic trauma exposure may result in consistent flight, fight, or freeze responses from survivors and can result in the individual living in a “constant state of emergency,” impeding their logical cognitive processing abilities (Glass, 2012).
- Emotional Regulation – Exposure to chronic stress without intervention can leave children vulnerable; these children typically do not have the emotional resources or maturity to appropriately respond to stress in a socially acceptable manner (National Traumatic Stress Network, 2015).
- Mental Health – Trauma increases the chances of a future mental health diagnosis (Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators, 2008).
- Academic Performance – Exposure to chronic stress impacts concentration, memory, attention, information processing, problem solving, and planning. Children who have experienced chronic stress are typically suspended or expelled more frequently, have lower academic scores, and are more likely to drop out of school (Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators, 2008).
- Interactions with Peers and Teachers – Exposure to trauma may impact a child’s relationship with peers and/or teachers. Children exposed to trauma have been shown to engage in interactions in a more negative and aggressive manner. Additionally, children who have experienced trauma are more likely to struggle with social interactions and may engage in bullying behaviors (The Neurobiology of Childhood Trauma and Abuse, 2003).
Trauma Sensitive Schools
- Create a space of compassion and understanding among all employees in the school. All staff learn how trauma affects the development of children and adolescents, which creates an environment geared toward support not punishment (Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, 2015).
- Support an environment of safety. Physically, emotionally, and socially safe environments allow children to develop trusting relationships with adults and peers (Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, 2015).
- View children’s needs through a holistic and individual centered framework, and considers those needs when teaching and interacting with each student (Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, 2015).
- Support a team-based approach to teacher and student interactions. The ideal of asking “what can we do as a community to support all children to help them feel safe and participate fully in our school community?” vs. “what can I do to fix this child?” is supported (Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative, 2015).
Take Action
Get Educated
- Understand how trauma impacts children and youth.
- Visit the Illinois Collaboration on Youth for an introductory course on trauma.
- Take advantage of the Trauma Toolbox on the American Academy of Pediatrics website to further your clinical knowledge regarding the effects of trauma.
- Visit the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Learning Center (http://learn.nctsn.org) to register for a free online training covering a variety of trauma related topics.
Advocate
- As a professional in the field of social work you will be able to make a difference.
- Support your local community or school efforts to engage in trauma sensitive care.
Practice Responsibly and Be Sensitive
- Take into account your client’s history.
- Practice trauma informed care.
- Recognize the impacts of trauma on children and youth.
- Be compassionate to the experiences of the clients you are working with. Respect how their experiences may be shaping their internalizing or externalizing behaviors.