Although this may occasionally be the case, trauma is not necessarily the outcome of a particularly frightful or disturbing event, contrary to popular belief. Often, children encounter trauma as a result of persistent exposure to abuse, neglect, homelessness, household violence, or community violence during their early development.
Numerous experiences fall under the category of traumatic events. An abrupt, life-threatening occurrence that leaves a person feeling startled, terrified, or helpless is referred to as trauma. Divorce, death, injury, sexual and physical abuse, serious accidents, or other life-threatening illnesses, natural or man-made disasters, war, terrorism, physical punishment, child labor, bullying, and suicide are just a few examples of these experiences.
Children may feel helpless or overwhelmed by these experiences, which might upset them. Although not all of these situations will have a traumatic effect, it is vital to realize that they can occur to anyone at any age and at any time.
Effects of trauma on children
- According to the Child mind institute, a youngster who has experienced complex trauma may struggle with their love and friendship connections and with authoritative figures like teachers and police officers.
- Children’s daily functioning, including future changes in their mental, physical, emotional, and social health, can be severely affected by how they respond to the traumatic events stated above.
- Trauma or traumatic events impact the child’s physical health and emotional capability and also hugely affect the child’s learning skills or abilities.
- The emotional baggage and pain they carry are enough to dwell on them amid darkness. If help is not available, it can also lead to severe consequences.
- Children may exhibit shaking, grief, anger, or distance themselves when reminded of a distressing occurrence. Therefore, it is hard for children to cope with their surroundings, which eventually leads them not to trust the individuals around them. They find it difficult to form relationships with their peers as well as their teachers.
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Impact of trauma and emotional pain on child’s learning ability
Children who have experienced trauma often struggle with academic performance. They may experience reduced cognitive functioning, behavioural problems, attendance challenges, grade repetition, attention issues, and academic achievement problems.
According to a study by Very well mind, traumatic experiences and emotional pain can have various negative effects on children’s learning abilities:
1. Difficulty focusing:
Many children who have experienced trauma struggle to concentrate or focus due to their past experiences. This can result in overthinking and reduced attention in the classroom.
2. Slow processing:
Children who have experienced a lot of trauma in childhood or adulthood tend to process information slowly due to negative experiences that keep them from focusing on reality, which can have a significant impact on their learning.
3. Feelings of insecurity:
Children who have developed trust issues may have difficulty forming new relationships with their peers and educators, which can directly impact their learning process.
4. Non-responsiveness:
Traumatized children may become less responsive or involved with people in front of them, making it difficult for communicators to know if the message is getting through.
Children who have experienced trauma may exhibit various behavioural, mental health, and educational difficulties. To assist these children, teachers need to understand the impact of trauma on their students and pay closer attention to their physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. Support and care can help ease these children from acting out to obtain attention. Despite the traumatic experiences, teachers can make improvements to their traditional teaching methods and relationships with children to support them in succeeding.
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