Advice and support for primary school teachers

Normal reactions to a traumatic event

Following any distressing event it is quite normal to experience a range of reactions. Each person will respond in her/his own way. Students may show some of the following:

• Not being able to concentrate or want to do school work or make decisions
• Avoiding places, people or objects which remind them of the incident
• Physical effects such as feeling unwell, headaches, listlessness or over activity
• Nightmares, irritability
• Feelings of guilt and/or responsibility
• Difficulty in accepting the events of how they have been affected by them e.g. appearing over brave
• Changes in personality e.g. feeling depressed or isolated, becoming irritable or angry
• Needing to go over and over the incident which can test the patience of those closest
• Seeing or hearing the person who has died.

These reactions are all common responses and are usually short-lived, e.g. Up to four weeks. The majority of people will get over the experience with the support of family, friends and school

How to help your pupils

A traumatic event often leaves people feeling confused and unsettled, it is therefore very important to consider the following strategies:

• Listen to and try to understand your pupil’s views of the event
• Give attention, reassurance and say things simply
• Allow pupils to talk about the event and express feelings – give reassurance and permission to feel upset
• Check children’s understanding of the event
• Answer pupil’s questions as truthfully as possible
• Maintain daily routines both at home and at school
• Encourage healthy eating, exercise and rest
• Encourage resumption of social activities e.g. clubs
• Let children know that their reactions are as might be expected
• It can help to recall happy memories