MECS Matters

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The Impact of Trauma on Learning

As parents and caregivers, we have the joy and responsibility to nurture our children's wellbeing and support their learning. However, when a child or young person experiences trauma there are challenging effects.

When thinking about trauma, we often think about ‘big T’ Trauma, such as abuse and neglect, witnessing violence and other significant life-threatening events. However, often overlooked ‘little t’ trauma can also cause an impact. This includes events such as experiencing or witnessing non-life-threatening injuries, bullying and social rejection, and the death of a well-loved pet. 

Traumatic experiences can disrupt a child's brain development and overall wellbeing. When a traumatic event is experienced, the brain's stress response system gets activated, affecting areas responsible for learning, emotions, and behavioural control. Some of these are listed below.

Cognitive 

 

Emotional & Behavioural 

 

Focus Challenges

Trauma can make it hard to concentrate and pay attention in class.

 

Anxiety & Restlessness

Anxious symptoms may occur, making it difficult to feel calm and safe in a learning environment.

 

Memory Challenges

Traumatic experiences can impact the ability to remember and recall information effectively.

 

Withdrawal & Avoidance

Children/young people may isolate themselves and have trouble connecting with others.

 

Problems with Thinking Skills

Trauma may interfere with problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational abilities.

 

Acting Out & Aggression

Some children/young people may express their trauma through aggressive or disruptive behaviours.

 

So…What to do? How to help?

 

1. Create a Safe Environment: 

Create a culture and sense of safety for children/young people at home and school. Encourage open communication and provide emotional reassurance.

 

2. Foster Healthy Relationships/Build a Relational Community: 

Encourage and foster positive relationships between your child with others including peers, teachers, student support staff at school, church youth leaders, and others, as they can help your child build resilience and wellbeing. 

 

This exemplifies one of our core understandings of transformational Christian education; being that effective learning occurs best within a relational community.

 

3. Collaborate/Partner with School Teacher & Student Support Staff: 

Keep communication open with your child’s teachers and support staff. Bring any ideas and concerns to relevant school staff, and together (with your young person if appropriate), create a plan to support your child at school, to help meet their unique needs.

 

4. Seek Professional Help: 

If you believe your child is struggling significantly due to trauma, consider consulting a mental health professional who specialises in working with children/young people and trauma.

 

5. Take Care of You: 

Sometimes as parents and Christians, we put ourselves last… which can lead to increased stress, burnout, and ‘running on empty’. This can lead to exhaustion, both physical and mental. Make sure to surround yourself with others who you trust and can support you or ‘fill your bucket’. Intentionally schedule and engage in activities that give you rest and joy.

 

6. Pray!

With all things, we are reminded in the Bible to throw our worries, our wishes and plans at the cross. Our God knows all things, loves without ceasing, and is all-powerful. Prayers for wisdom, prayers for grace for each other, prayers for healing and more… 

 

For more ideas and resources, please check out:

Bonnie Evans

Secondary Wellbeing Coordinator & Psychologist